Taj Gibson is coming off a strong season with the Chicago Bulls which normally either results in a contract extension or trade talks and unfortunately for the power forward it has resulted in the later. Gibson is no stranger to his name being associated in trades ever since he was being thrown into talks with Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic. So when Gibson popped up in negotiations for Kevin Love, Gibson was not fazed by it.
"It's tough, but it's part of the business," Gibson said, via Chicago Sun Times. "I've been in the league for awhile and have been around some great veterans who taught me a lot about the game. The one thing they always say is be grateful that somebody wants you and that you're in the NBA and just focus on your game. Without a doubt (I want to be here). I'm a nonchalant kind of guy. I let my game speak for myself. But this place has been home for me, a lot of good times. I'm looking forward to the future and playing here hopefully for a long time."
The Chicago Bulls have offered up a trade package that includes both Gibson and Jimmy Butler. The deal also had the Bulls' first-round draft picks involved and Minnesota denied that before the NBA Draft. However, the Bulls cannot really offer up much else if they want to land Love. The Tribune notes that before agreeing to a buyout from Real Madrid, Nikola Mirotic made sure the Bulls were not planning on trading him for anyone. Chicago has also made it known that they have no intentions of dealing draft pick Doug McDermott after getting the swingman under contract.
If the Bulls are going to make a deal for Love, Gibson will likely be involved. Unless the team plans on dealing Joakim Noah for the forward, Gibson might see himself in a package. Trading Noah simply would not make sense. Yes, the Bulls would be getting a great scorer and shot maker in Love, but they would be missing a big defensive presence. The team acquire Pau Gasol instead and Gibson thinks their current lineup will be contenders in 2014.
"It's scary at times if you think about the potential of the front line and our depth, Gibson said. (Mirotic) is going to be extremely good. Joakim (Noah), we won't have to put so many minutes on him because every year late in the season he's always banged up. It's (Gasol) a great addition. It gives us more depth. We have more size up front. One thing about our bigs is (coach Tom Thibodeau) can have so many different options. He can go small. He can go big. He can go quick. You have a lot of different lineups."
