Chicago Bulls rumors: Bulls could trade Taj Gibson

Nov 06, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls power forward Taj Gibson (22) reacts after a play against the Orlando Magic during the second half at the United Center. The Chicago Bulls defeat the Orlando Magic 99-93. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 06, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls power forward Taj Gibson (22) reacts after a play against the Orlando Magic during the second half at the United Center. The Chicago Bulls defeat the Orlando Magic 99-93. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bulls’ big man Taj Gibson believed he’d become the Bulls’ starting power forward after they used the amnesty claim to waive Carlos Boozer. Instead, the team signed Pau Gasol and will once again be bringing Gibson off of the bench. There is a sense that although Gibson has always been a team-first player, he’s a bit frustrated that he still is not an NBA starter.

More from Chicago Bulls

Yannis Koutroupis of Basketball Insiders believes the Bulls should quietly look to deal Gibson.

"It just makes the most sense for both parties to see if there’s something out there that is mutually beneficial for both of them. The offers are going to come, and it shouldn’t take too much holding out for the Bulls to find something of their liking. No matter how much they’ve grown to like and appreciate Gibson, they’ve reached a point where trading him could be the difference maker in beating the Cleveland Cavaliers and winning the Eastern Conference."

It would take a lot for the Bulls to trade Gibson, who is a very good player. However, if they could land another scorer and a competent big man, they would at least have to think about trading him.

Gibson averaged 13.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.1 assists per game last year while shooting 47.9% from the floor and 75.1% from the free throw line. Gibson was originally drafted by the Bulls with the 26th-overall pick in the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft. In his five-year NBA career, he’s put up 9.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 0.9 assists per game while shooting 56.1% from the field and 68.6% from the charity stripe.

Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league as we get you ready for the start of the 2014-2015 season.

More on FanSided.com

Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant will no longer be a superstar?
Boston Celtics’ Marcus Smart a future star?
Jeremy Lin to be better player with Los Angeles Lakers?
Orlando Magic don’t have an All-Star?
Carmelo Anthony will flourish in New York Knicks’ triangle offense