The 30-team NBA mega-trade that solves nothing and makes everyone mad

Jan 22, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Tyus Jones (1) dribbles in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Target Center. The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Denver Nuggets 111-108. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Tyus Jones (1) dribbles in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Target Center. The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Denver Nuggets 111-108. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) drives to the basket against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) drives to the basket against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

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.