Chicago Bulls would need a big return for Taj Gibson
Once the Chicago Bulls used the amnesty clause to waive Carlos Boozer, it looked like Taj Gibson would finally become a starter. The Bulls, however, signed free agent big man Pau Gasol and will be inserting him into the starting lineup, leaving Gibson on the bench. That has led to speculation Gibson could be dealt.
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Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders calls Gibson a “starting caliber” player and believes the Bulls would need good value to deal him.
"Taj Gibson is a starting caliber player. Your not offering fair value in return. Your offering up pieces you don’t want, in exchange for pieces that have real value. Neither one of the deals helps the team you want a player from. They are down grade scenarios."
Obviously, the Bulls would want to upgrade on offense if they trade Gibson and with the addition of Gasol, he may be expendable. However, Kyler is right – Gibson is a legitimate starting caliber big man and is a very valuable asset. If the Bulls do decide to deal him, teams would be lining up to get their hands on 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.
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