The NBA trade rumors continue for the Chicago Bulls even as Derrick Rose has already made his home in the Big Apple.
Now, some of his cohorts back in Chicago may also be moved as the Bulls is now on full rebuild mode and want to acquire young players.
The report is from Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times who hinted that the Bulls are targeting some free agents.
"To add some further clouds to the Bulls frontcourt rotation, a league source said that the Bulls have been talking to several teams about the possibility of moving Taj Gibson. The power forward is in the final year of his contract, scheduled to make $8.9 million," Cowley reported.
Gibson is a bargain since he can start at the power forward position, but he is a free agent at the end of the 2016-17 season.
Cowley added: "If they do in fact send Gibson elsewhere, that would leave a frontcourt of Robin Lopez, Nikola Mirotic, Bobby Portis and Cristiano Felicio, and some serious money to spend."
Thus, the Bulls would need a power forward again, but more of the "stretch four" variety. Cowley listed some options, but Ryan Anderson seems to be the best fit with that coach Fred Hoiberg wants to establish.
Where should the Bulls trade Taj Gibson? Ironically, the Minnesota Timberwolves appear to be the best candidate if they want young players in return, as ESPN Insider feature where Kevin Pelton suggested the move.
"Tom Thibodeau might be interested in reacquiring Gibson for one of Minnesota's young players using the team's cap space."
The T-Wolves don't need to match salaries as they're under the cap. They also need a starting power forward, not necessarily to score but simply to provide toughness, defense and rebounding. Gibson has made his name as one of the best blue-collar players in the league. He would fit well beside Rookie of the Year Karl Anthony Towns.
The Bulls are reportedly coveting Zach Lavine as they asked for him in the failed Jimmy Butler trade. The T-Wolves are unlikely to send him back unless Chicago sends some future draft picks/assets to Minnesota. Other options are Shabazz Muhammad or Tyus Jones.