NBA Trade Rumors: Raptors To Trade For Bulls' Taj Gibson As Toronto Still Not A Threat In Stacked Eastern Conference, Patrick Patterson As Trade Piece?

The Toronto Raptors are rumored to target Chicago Bulls power forward Taj Gibson in an attempt to strengthen the team's frontcourt and pose a legitimate threat as a title contender in the Eastern Conference.

Rob Mahoney of Sports Illustrated projected a trade for the Raptors that involves Gibson to solidify the team's power forward spot.

Mahoney noted that Gibson could give the Raptors another capable defender coming off the bench and would be a better complement to an offense-oriented player like Luis Scola.  

While this is just pure speculations from Mahoney, trading for a player like Gibson seems ideal for the Raptors, especially with Jonas Valanciunas rehabbing from a hand injury suffered against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Gibson is only averaging 1.2 blocks in 12 games, but his defensive presence will be a huge welcome for the Raptors.

According to Real GM trade checker, a straight swap for Raptors power forward Patrick Patterson is possible.

Patterson can stretch the defense with his shooting range, but he lacks the ability to defend at the post. His rebounding game is also unimpressive for a power forward, averaging only 3.6 boards per game this year.

Patterson would not have to worry any of his rebounding numbers if he is shipped to the Bulls as Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah is already the responsible players on that section.  

Moreover, if Gibson exits Chicago, it would give Noah more playing time off the bench, neutralizing any issues about his decreased role under rookie coach Fred Hoiberg.

The Raptors may not need any roster changes yet, but if other Eastern Conference teams continue to climb up the league standings, Toronto could be forced to deal before the deadline.