Chicago Bulls power forward Taj Gibson. (Photo : Reuters)
One of the latest trade rumors circulating today is the impending departure of Chicago Bulls power forward Taj Gibson from the team come the February trade deadline.
The Bulls' frontcourt is currently loaded with Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah, and Nikola Mirotic. And with the addition of 22nd overall pick Bobby Portis, the 30-year-old six-year veteran may just find himself at the bottom of the pile as he is still nursing a recurring ankle injury going into training camp.
Sean Highkin of NBC Sports' Pro Basketball Talk included Gibson in a list of players who will start the year on the trading block and it is easy to see why.
For one, the improved play of stretch four Mirotic has made the Spaniard a potential starter for Fred Hoiberg this season. With teams leaning to a more small-ball type of lineups, Mirotic's size, versatility, and outside shooting will be valuable for the Bulls.
This means that Gasol will be moved to the center spot and would be sharing minutes with Noah, who himself badly needs a breakthrough season after a lackluster stint last year.
If Portis plays well and Gibson does not recuperate in time for the regular season, then the former USC standout may be left out of the rotation altogether.
Moreover, Sports World Report's Lauren Moranor mentioned that "if things go south quickly in Chicago" during the regular season then Gibson's head would surely be on the trading block as the franchise will see the need to improve.
One reported potential deal that Chicago would make out of Gibson is to find another center to back up Noah so that Gasol and Mirotic will be their top two power forwards, forming what would be one of the deepest frontlines in the NBA.
