NBA Trade Rumors: Thunder pushing for Doug McDermott, Taj Gibson
By John Buhler
Could a big trade between the Chicago Bulls and the Oklahoma City Thunder happen? Oklahoma City is highly interested in the Bulls’ Doug McDermott.
Two teams that were expected to be active during the 2017 NBA trade deadline were the Chicago Bulls and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Oklahoma City almost always is with their aggressive general manager Sam Presti. Chicago has many interesting assets, but remain directionless as a franchise.
One rumor of a trade could be brewing between these two middle of the pack NBA teams. ESPN’s Marc Stein reported that Oklahoma City has interest in two Bulls: small forward Doug McDermott and power forward Taj Gibson. Chicago has intrigue in guard Cameron Payne. The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski would confirm both teams’ mutual interest in a deadline deal.
ESPN sources say OKC has interest in Doug McDermott as well as Taj Gibson. Sources say the Bulls, meanwhile, have interest in Cameron Payne.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 23, 2017
Oklahoma City has been discussing deals with Chicago on Doug McDermott and Taj Gibson, league sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 23, 2017
Oklahoma City does need players like McDermott and Gibson for a deep playoff push in the Western Conference. McDermott would provide shooting from distance, while Gibson would give the Thunder an edge down low on both ends of the floor.
Payne is an interesting asset, as he has shown flashes early in his NBA career of being a starting level point guard. He remains buried behind Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City, as he should be.
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Another player to keep an eye on in a potential deal between the Bulls and the Thunder is Oklahoma City shooting guard Andre Roberson. The Thunder may want to re-sign him this summer, but he could be too pricey for the small-market franchise.