Fansided

5 NBA players who were saved at the trade deadline

By Kparrish Jr

Mar 5, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward center Nerlens Noel (3) heads to the bench during a timeout against the Oklahoma City Thunder at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward center Nerlens Noel (3) heads to the bench during a timeout against the Oklahoma City Thunder at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 24, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Taj Gibson (22) reacts after dunking the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Taj Gibson (22) reacts after dunking the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Taj Gibson

For seven seasons, Taj Gibson was a key part of the Bulls’ franchise, yet he seemed ecstatic following the news that Chicago was sending him to the Thunder, for Cameron Payne, Joffrey Lauvergne and Anthony Morrow. Chicago is headed nowhere at the moment, with many questions surrounding their franchise. The Thunder are a tier below the best teams in the Western Conference but have a much better chance at a deep playoff run than the Bulls.

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The addition of Taj Gibson didn’t fix the Thunder’s biggest needs but his willingness to do the dirty work, play hard-nosed defense, dive for loose balls and take charges have helped. The Thunder need more pieces to contend with the powerhouses in the West, but the addition of Gibson was a step in the right direction.

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