The 30-team NBA mega-trade that solves nothing and makes everyone mad
By Ian Levy
Chicago Bulls
Sending out: Taj Gibson (POR), Rajon Rondo (BRK), 2018 first round pick (MIL)
Bringing in: Reggie Jackson (DET), Darrell Arthur (DEN)
The Chicago Bulls have said they’re keeping Jimmy Butler but that doesn’t mean they aren’t in need of a dramatic shake-up. The roster needs a transformation, both to shed bad emotional juju and inject some life and shooting into an attack mostly devoid of spacing.
Gibson is a free agent at the end of the season and may be interested in leaving regardless. In exchange for him, a future first rounder, and getting someone to take the Rondo problem off their hands, the Bulls get a chance to improve in the short term without sacrificing too much of their future.
Jackson has struggled at time with the Pistons since returning from injury but he’s still just a year removed from looking like a borderline All-Star point guard. On paper he’s a much more palatable backcourt partner for Jimmy Butler than Rondo or Wade were and he could even help the Bulls build some momentum with a playoff push. Arthur is an active defender with some stretch to his jumpshot who could help offset the loss of Gibson this season and offer a little more spacing on offense.