Trade rumors start to haunt the Minnesota Timberwolves again nowadays. After rebuilding last summer to strengthen their lineup and signed Tom Thibodeau to handle the team, they still having difficulty of finding their rhythm and continues to go down at the Western Conference standing. Now, reports are saying that they are interested in bringing in Taj Gibson from the Chicago Bulls before the NBA trade deadline.
Full of young and talented core of players plus a winning coach at the helm, the Timberwolves are expected to have at least a decent showing this season. However, they are struggling to find their form and could only muster 7 wins in 25 games they've already played.
Many observe that experience is what the team is lacking right now and must add a veteran player who can stabilize and lead the team. Team president and head coach Tom Thibodeau already knew the problem that is why he is looking for capable player(s) right now to fill in the spot. And his pronouncement seems to be pointing to a player that already played for him and know his system.
According to Yibada English, coach Thibs is interested in acquiring few of his former players with the Chicago Bulls like Jimmy Butler, Taj Gibson and Luol Deng (now with the Los Angeles Lakers). But it is most likely that Gibson will be selected amongst the players in the list.
Though it is not clear who are the players the Timberwolves would give up for Gibson, there is a possibility that the team might send out Shabazz Muhammad, Zach Lavine or Ricky Rubio as trade offers as per stated in the report. If ever the trade pushes thru, there's no doubt that Gibson will be bringing in his veteran tenacity for the team. Chemistry will not be a problem at all as he is already familiarized with coach Thibodeau system.
However, in a separate report by Chicago Tribune, when Gibson was asked about his plans when he becomes an unrestricted free agent after the season, he said that he desires to stay with the Bulls and don't want to leave the team. Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg also shared the same sentiments as he describes Gibson as a dependable player who is doing everything even the little things that are never recorded in the stats sheet.
With this notion from Taj Gibson and the Chicago Bulls organization, will the Minnesota Timberwolves be able to bring him into their fold before the NBA trade deadline?
