Latest on Taj Gibson Trade Rumors and Why Chicago Should Keep Him

Bulls forward Taj Gibson continues to be the subject of trade rumors. With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching (February 19th), the NBA rumor mill is churning out reports that Gibson may not be a Chicago Bull by the end of next week. Many of these rumors can be dismissed for what they are: nonsense. But, in regards to Gibson, the constant talk of him being on the trading block throughout his career warrants some consideration that 2015 may finally be the year that he is shipped out of Chicago.

According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne’s twitter account, the Bulls are shopping the league for another dynamic wing player.

Among teams Nuggs have discussed Afflalo w/ -- Portland, Chi, Clips, Mia, Sac. He's got a player option next year, so FRP is a lot to ask
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) February 11, 2015

According to NJ.com, the Nuggets are demanding a huge asking price of any team trying to trade for Arron Afflalo. The Bulls would have to sacrifice Gibson and likely other players in order to secure his services.

Feb 4, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Denver Nuggets guard forward Arron Afflalo (10) controls the ball during the first quarter against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Gibson’s name has also been linked in other, less likely, trade scenarios. According to Sports World Report, the Miami Heat are shopping the NBA for either a prolific perimeter defender or a low post presence. They are willing to part ways with any combination of Luol Deng, Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole to accomplish their goal. While the list of the players that the Heat are pursuing is lengthy, this rumor is worth mentioning because Gibson is one of the names on the list.

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He is used to the rumors. His name has been mentioned in trade talks for the majority of his career. So far none of these rumors have materialized, but at this point Gibson is still holding his breath and taking nothing for granted.

"‘I’ve been here for a while, and my name is always brought up in trade rumors throughout my career here in Chicago. It’s just one of those things that you have to put in the back of your mind and continue to do your job. Of course, things like that are going to happen when you look how our team has been playing. [Rumors] are going to happen.’’"

Over the summer, when Gibson’s name was linked to several trade rumors, Taj expressed his desire to stay with the Chicago Bulls.

"“Of course [a trade] would hurt because it seems like everybody’s family,” Taj Gibson said. “But at the end of the day it’s a business, I totally understand that. Whatever happens is going to happen, it’s in God’s hands, in the GM’s hands. All I can do is be a player and represent whatever team I’m wearing their jersey. But I hope I don’t have to leave Chicago any time soon. This is like my first home.”"

Unless something dramatically changed that he isn’t letting on about, all indications point to Gibson being completely content in Chicago. He has a major role (as their 6th man) on a team that has legitimate championship aspirations. His teammates love him as do the hometown fans. He has earned the respect of a coach who makes his players earn every second of playing time. Tom Thibodeau recently expressed apprehension about the possibility of Gibson getting traded. He is obviously vehemently opposed to such a trade.

"“Because of his ability to guard both positions and to play both positions and Jo’s still working his way back, I think Taj is critical for our team,” Thibodeau said. “Taj has played well. He’s been consistent. He’s been our best defender up front. That’s something that we need.”"

Just because Thibodeau wants Taj to stay on the team, doesn’t necessarily guarantee that he will automatically become untouchable to all future trade proposals. Last season, going against the wishes of Thibs, Bulls management chose to trade away Deng to the Cleveland Cavaliers for cap considerations. Although the trade worked out in the end because of the meteoric rise of Jimmy Butler, at the time both Thibodeau and many of Deng’s teammates were extremely upset with the move that was made. Deng’s story serves as a harsh reminder that loyalty only goes so far because of the business side of the NBA.

With that being said, it would be an extremely foolish decision to trade away Gibson. For starters, the Bulls big men, particularly Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol, have historically been injury prone. This skyrockets the importance of having Gibson available to fill-in as a starter when needed. If you have read any of my pieces in the past, I am a firm believer that the Bulls need to keep the personnel that they currently have. The importance of having a core group of players who have played together their entire careers is extremely undervalued in the NBA. As long as the core group of Gibson, Butler, Noah and Derrick Rose are playing together, the Bulls will always be contenders. Additionally, when Chicago traded away Deng last season, they went on a temporary losing streak. The Bulls are currently in a battle for playoff position and can’t afford any extended period of losing, no matter how short.

Feb 10, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) is fouled by Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) during the second half at the United Center. The Chicago Bulls defeat the Sacramento Kings 104-86. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The only way that Gibson gets traded is if Bulls management wants to undermine Thibodeau again by getting rid of one of his most trusted players. Unfortunately, because of the fragile egos of the Bulls front office, this may be a realistic possibility. They have done it before, and ultimately it is the front office that holds the keys to the Bulls future.

An unidentified source cited by the Chicago Sun Times, indicates that Gibson isn’t on the chopping block at all. However, the NBA is an unpredictable league. The Bulls front office has traded away key players before. All we as fans can do is hold our breath and wait for the clock to strike midnight on the 2015 NBA trade deadline. Here’s hoping that Gibson is still wearing a Bulls uniform when the dust clears next week.

Next: Should Bulls Cut Kirk Hinrich?

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