Chicago Bulls Rumors: JaVale McGee Free Agent Target For Joakim Noah Backup? Taj Gibson Trade Possible, Baron Davis Training Camp Option

Jul 30, 2015 02:12 PM EDT
Taj Gibson #22 and Joakim Noah #13 of the Chicago Bulls
Taj Gibson #22 and Joakim Noah #13 of the Chicago Bulls during the game against the Miami Heat on April 9, 2015 at AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami, Florida."

The Chicago Bulls are working to finish off the roster heading into training camp and the team could consider JaVale McGee, Kevin Seraphin and Greg Stiemsma as free agent options to play backup for Joakim Noah, as Nazr Mohammed is expected to retire and this comes as the team could consider a Taj Gibson trade this year, while Baron Davis could get a camp invite.

The Bulls have Fred Hoiberg coming in to take over and he could look at adding some depth up front heading through the summer. The Bulls roster is fairly deep at a number of positions and with Jimmy Butler returning on a max deal, the future is secure as well. According to Marc Stein at ESPN.com, JaVale McGee has had interest from the Mavericks, Knicks, Bulls and Lakers as a depth option for the front court.

McGee has also had reported interest from the Dallas Mavericks, but after the team signed Samuel Dalembert, it's likely they do not bring in McGee. The Bulls have a solid group at forward with Nikola Mirotic, Pau Gasol, Taj Gibson and Bobby Portis on the roster, but Joakim Noah is the only true center. Pro Basketball Talk reports that Mohammed may consider retiring and may not return and that could pave the way for the Bulls to add a free agent. McGee has dealt with injuries the past two years and played in only 23 games last season, but he could be a low risk option to look at.

The Bulls have solid depth at guard with Derrick Rose, Aaron Brooks and Kirk Hinrich as the main options, but bringing in Davis would not hurt and it could be on a camp deal. The Bulls won't risk anything and the upside is they could get a cheap veteran option for depth on the bench. Rose was back and healthy for most of last season, but the Bulls would be wise to continue managing his minutes and another guard could help. Hinrich can also play point guard behind Brooks, but he also dealt with injuries last season.

According to Mike Ortiz Jr. from DYST Now and contributor to ESPN and CBS Sports, Baron Davis could be a potential option for a return to the NBA and teams like the "Hawks, Nets, Bulls, Cavs and Pacers" are "among early teams that could show interest" in signing the guard. Davis has not played in the NBA since back in 2012, but he is 36 years old and could have some life left in his basketball legs as an end of the bench player for a team. Ortiz writes that the Bulls could consider a non-guaranteed training camp deal for Davis.

The Bulls could consider a trade with Taj Gibson down the line this season, as the team is stacked at forward with Mirotic emerging and Gasol continuing to play at a high level. The team just drafted Bobby Portis and Gibson's role could be reduced, making him an expensive bench option. According to the Chicago Tribune, Gibson could be on the trade block this year, but he is coming off of ankle surgery and likely will not be moved until at least the deadline.

Check here for more on the Bulls offseason moves or for more on Taj Gibson possibly getting traded.

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