The Chicago Bulls have been off to a strong start this season, but if Derrick Rose or another major injury happens, the team may look at a Taj Gibson trade to bring in some support, as names like Gerald Green, George Hill, Derrick Williams, Greg Monroe, Roy Hibbert, David West and Lance Stephenson are out there on the trade market and could be options for Tom Thibodeau to add.
Gibson has been a solid player for the Bulls and has been valuable with Joakim Noah dealing with an injury, but the team looked at trading him this summer and if something happens, they could look again. According to Pro Basketball Talk, the Bulls have been strong while dealing with injuries to Rose, Noah and Gibson at various times this season and Thibodeau has said that the shuffling has caused some issues on defense. The team is ranked in the top half of the league, but they were ranked number one last year and will be looking to get back into that mix again.
Gibson is making decent money over the next couple seasons, as he is making $8 million this year and will be at $8.5 million next season before making nearly $9 million in the final year of his deal. The Bulls have depth at a number of positions with Pau Gasol now in the mix, but they may need more if Rose goes down with an injury. The team has done a good job of keeping Rose rested and fresh this season after dealing with knee issues in the past, but if something unexpected happens again, the team may have to make a move.
The Bulls know they have a short window to win here with Rose and Gasol and that is why they likely will at least check in on some trade options at the deadline this season. Green has been mentioned as a target with the Suns this season, while Hibbert, West or Hill could get moved if the Pacers continue to struggle Stephenson is not likely, as he is getting paid a decent contract and likely would cause some waves in the locker room. Monroe is on a one year deal and has trade power since it was a qualifying offer, making it tougher to make a move.
The Bulls have been playing well to start the season and they are battling the Cavaliers for first place in the Central division standings. The team is now 13-8 on the season and they will play the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday in a matchup of top teams in the NBA. The Bulls play on the road against Miami next and they come in after a big win on Wednesday against the Brooklyn Nets.
Rose has played very well when he is in the lineup and he had 23 points and four assists in that game, while Gasol had 16 rebounds. The Bulls may look for help up front over the backcourt, as they added Aaron Brooks and Doug McDermott in the offseason and they also have Jimmy Butler playing at a high level. Butler is leading the team in scoring and has been one of the league leaders in minutes played and he is one reason why the team can focus on the front court, as he is developing into a star player for the Bulls.
