Fresh from agreeing to a trade with the Indiana Pacers for Roy Hibbert, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly working on another blockbuster trade, this time possibly for Chicago Bulls big man Taj Gibson.
Despite missing on several elite frontline players this free-agency period, the Lakers are determined to offset their recent setbacks by gambling on unwanted contracts of former All-Stars coming off star-crossed seasons.
The trade for Hibbert wasn't surprisingly at all since the Pacers have expressed their intent in unloading the big man's contract to create more financial flexibility and pave way for a faster offensive scheme.
Still licking their wounds after being snubbed by LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Love and Greg Monroe, the Lakers pulled off a gamble by trading for the 28-year old Hibbert, who averaged 10.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game last season.
The Lakers' acquisition of Hibbert drew polarizing opinions from analysts and fans alike with some criticizing the trade for a player they believe on a decline while others calling it a smart deal because Hibbert, whether or not he regains his All-Star form, would still leave at least $15 million of cap space at the end of this season.
But it appears the Lakers aren't done tweaking its lineup yet. According to former NBC Chicago radio host Mike Adamle, the Lakers and the Bulls are working on a sign-and-trade deal involving Jeremy Lin and Jordan Hill, who were both unrestricted free-agents.
While it's true that Lin is at the center of an ongoing sign-and-trade talk, reports indicated the Bulls aren't the ones in discussion with the Lakers, but rather the Dallas Mavericks who have been eager to snag the Asian-American star.
Adamle added that the Bulls are prepared to send one of its players to the Lakers in exchange for either Lin or All-Rookie teamer Jordan Clarkson. It's unclear the identity of the player the Bulls are willing to move, but all indications are pointing to Taj Gibson as the odd man out.
Gibson, who is owed at least $8MM per year over the next two seasons, is considered as a strong candidate to be moved this offseason with the Bulls looking to stay under the luxury tax threshold after signing Jimmy Butler to a lucrative five-year, $95MM deal.
Averaging 10.3 points, 6.3 boards and 1.2 blocks in 26 minutes of playing time last season, the 30-year old Gibson saw his role diminish a bit due to the arrival of Nikola Mirotic, who has given the Bulls offense another dimension by spreading opponents' defense as a stretch four. The Bulls' decision to select 6-foot-11 center/forward Bobby Portis even convinced NBA insiders that the Bulls will eventually part ways with Gibson at some point this offseason.
For sure, Adamle's twitter posts should be taken with a bag of salt. On the other hand, it won't be much of a shocker to see the Lakers making a play for Gibson, who can easily become one of the best power forwards in the league if given more playing time.
Brandon Bass reportedly agreed in principle with the Lakers to provide depth at the power forward slot, but nothing is final until the contract is officially signed and sealed. Perhaps, the Lakers may try to put up a package consists of Ryan Kelly and Nick Young to woe the Bulls in giving up the former USC alumni (per NBA Trade Machine). At this point, everything is still in play as the free-agency season keeps on heating up.