The Chicago Bulls reportedly are now willing to consider trading forward Taj Gibson if it helps land a player such as Minnesota Timberwolves star Kevin Love or New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony.
Chicago needs to shed salary to pursue a marquee player such as Love or Anthony in the offseason. Assuming the Bulls amnesty forward Carlos Boozer in July, the team would still need to deal another player to create cap space for a big-name player. Although Chicago was initially reticent to part with Gibson, their stance has reportedly changed.
"The Bulls have been resistant to trade Taj Gibson, ...however they might be willing to deal the power forward in a package for Minnesota's Kevin Love, according to (Chicago Sun-Times columnist) Joe Crowley," ESPN's Nick Borges wrote on Monday. "The Wolves want to keep Love long-term, however he's seeking a way out. That will come via a trade or free agency in 2015."
Parting with Gibson and Boozer would clear $24.8 million off the books. Packaging Gibson, who averaged 13.0 points and 6.8 rebounds per game last season, along with draft picks could be enough to convince Minnesota to trade Love, who's expected to opt out of his contract next summer.
Anthony is likely to opt out of his contract this summer, and trading Gibson would net the Bulls both assets and salary cap space to offer a lucrative contract to Anthony.
A trade involving Love could happen before or on the evening of the 2014 NBA draft. Any deal, though, would likely include at least one other team -- Chicago owns the No. 16 pick, which is unlikely alone to be enough to entice Minnesota to trade Love.
The NBA draft is on Thursday, June 26.
