Taj Gibson has been the subject of trade rumors for the better part of a year. The Chicago Bulls forward has been a start coming off the bench for the team, but most assume he is available at the right price. Heading into the trade deadline, Gibson is the biggest name among potentially available players much to the dismay of his teammates. With Jimmy Butler going down with injury will Gibson still circle the trade rumors in the coming days?
Head coach Tom Thibodeau made it very clear that he will not be happy if Gibson is traded at the deadline. The Bulls have dealt with injuries to their size throughout the season as players like Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol have been on and off the court and he recognizes the need and importance of Gibson on the roster.
"Because of his ability to guard both positions and to play both positions and Jo's still working his way back, I think Taj is critical for our team," Thibodeau said, via the Chicago Tribune. "Taj has played well. He's been consistent. He's been our best defender up front. That's something that we need."
Gibson confirms that he has heard the rumors regarding a potential trade. The forward has made comments regarding his desire to be a starter for a team, but the addition of Gasol and Nikola Mirotic has Gibson fighting for minutes on the bench. Still, there are not many players worth trying to get at the deadline that would be considered an upgrade from the versatile forward.
"I've been here for a while, and my name is always brought up in trade rumors throughout my career here in Chicago," Gibson said, via the Chicago Sun Times. "It's just one of those things that you have to put in the back of your mind and continue to do your job. Of course, things like that are going to happen when you look how our team has been playing. [Rumors] are going to happen."
Sporting News was the first to report that Gibson was available for trades at the right price. He inked a four -year, $38 million contract back in 2012 and is currently in the prime of his career while losing minutes after the Bulls upgraded at the forward position twice this past offseason. Getting rid of Gibson could be a cap decision, but there is not another player worth getting by giving him up. The forward has been linked to the Lakers, Pistons and Trail Blazers, but nothing definitive looks to come from the lingering interest.
