NBA Trade Rumors: 5 destinations for Taj Gibson

The Suns could easily fall into rebuild mode right now. Since losing Eric Bledsoe for the season due to a torn meniscus, their already dim hopes for 2015-16 have faded even further. They simply lack much talent and their defense is hopeless, which makes Taj Gibson the kind of player they should try to pursue before the NBA trade deadline in a month’s time.

They already have some talented offensive pieces in place, such as Bledsoe (when he returns, of course), Brandon Knight, T.J. Warren, rookie Devin Booker and Mirza Teletovic (if he’s re-signed this summer). With such players, the far more urgent matter at hand if they want to improve is defense.

At 27th place in the NBA for defensive efficiency, it’s not hard to see it’s their major downfall. When going further into the numbers, though, they’re at their worst when it comes to defending the paint. They rank 26th in opponent field goal percentage within five feet of the basket, and surrender 60.8 percent shooting in that range. Which, if you want to actually win games and avoid allowing the highest percentage shots in basketball, isn’t acceptable.

This is where Gibson comes into the equation as someone who can help turn things around.

While centers like Tyson Chandler and Alex Len can do their part to protect the paint, the Suns still need more options besides them. If they want to climb above the bottom three seeds in the West next season, they need Gibson’s 10 rebounds per 36 minutes and his ability to both guard on the low block and defend towards the perimeter with his quickness.

The Suns are limited with wing talent to offer the Bulls in exchange for Gibson. Perhaps offering someone like P.J. Tucker (a minimal scorer but gritty defender) would be their best option, along with another role player to add more value to the deal.

If there’s any way the Suns can make it happen, Gibson should be at the top of their list for frontcourt targets.

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