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NBA Trade Rumors: 5 destinations for Taj Gibson

By Tom West

Nov 18, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) looks back to the bench in the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) looks back to the bench in the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 12, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is defended by Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is defended by Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

Western Conference. New Orleans Pelicans. 5. player. 69. . Southwest Division

Possibly the biggest element of a potential trade with the Bulls that suits the Pelicans is the possible departure of Ryan Anderson. He’s a highly valuable stretch big man in today’s NBA that’s fallen so deeply in love with small-ball lineups, floor spacing and three-point shooting. With the season he’s having, he could easily pick up a big contract elsewhere this summer.

Gibson is averaging 17.1 points per game on a career-high 44 percent shooting and a 38.7 three-point stroke (2.1 makes per game) he’s an ideal addition for many teams. To add worry into the Pelicans’ front office, he becomes a free agent this summer and could easily leave New Orleans.

This would leave a gaping hole in their frontcourt, which would pile even more pressure onto Anthony Davis’ shoulders and reveal the weakness and limitations of Omer Asik even further. Asik’s production is lower than ever, as his per 36 minute averages of 6.7 points, 11.2 rebounds and 0.8 blocks are all the lowest numbers since his rookie season. Add his near nonexistent offensive impact to his declining defensive presence, and it’s clear New Orleans need to bring in another big man.

As is the case for all these teams, the Pelicans lack consistent interior defense. Despite having one of the best big men in the NBA in Davis, he can’t do everything by himself. Yet, if Anderson leaves and Asik doesn’t improve (that’s almost guaranteed), everything is down to The Brow and Alexis Ajinca.

Gibson could really be a perfect fit in New Orleans. Not only does he average a solid 10 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per 36 minutes, he also forces players to shoot seven percent worse within six feet and 4.5 percent on two-pointers overall (per NBA.com). With his mid-range shooting, he’s a better offensive option than Ajinca and Asik, too. Those kind of attributes are exactly what head coach Alvin Gentry could use.

The Pelicans have plenty of solid wings and shooters, which are the kind of players that the Bulls are in need of. If they can put together a package deal (they don’t have anyone they can afford to lose with enough individual value), they can go after Gibson as the ideal complementary big man.

Next: 4. Los Angeles Clippers

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