If a team is going to make a trade for Taj Gibson, they will be getting someone fresh out of surgery. Gibson has long been considered a durable player for the Chicago Bulls, but this season saw him spend more time on the bench than ever before thanks to ankle issues. In order to prevent the same issue from striking again, Gibson underwent surgery that will keep him off the court for the next four months.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Gibson had surgery Friday on his left ankle after struggling with problems two of the last three seasons. Gibson reportedly sprained his ankle three times during the regular season while being forced to grit things out during the playoffs. Gibson simply could not hold off any longer and now the recovery time is supposed to be around four months or longer.
The issue is whether or not this problem will linger during next season. Joakim Noah underwent knee surgery in May of 2014 and then struggled with the issue during the entire season. There is always the idea that could happen with Gibson which may or may not factor into the forward's trade market. According to the Chicago Tribune, the Bulls will see what Gibson's trade market is this offseason along with Noah's value. The Bulls are eyeing trades for either player and whoever can get the best return rate for Chicago could be the odd man out in Fred Hoiberg's first year as head coach.
Gibson still has two years and $16 million remaining on his contract while Noah is entering the final year of his current deal. The contract and injury could mean that Gibson is all but a lock to report back to the Bulls next season. Noah would get a huge return for Chicago if he is truly available especially for a franchise in win-now mode entering 2015.
The Bulls first priority is to retain Jimmy Butler who is quickly becoming a star in the league. According to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, Butler wants a short-term contract over a long-term deal in order to capitalize off the expanding salary caps coming to the NBA. As a result, Butler is at risk of leaving while Derrick Rose is facing trade rumors that will not come true. The Bulls could be rebuilding more than they originally intended to be.
If Butler were to depart from Chicago in favor of the Los Angeles Lakers or another team heavily recruiting the shooting guard, the Bulls have options to replace him. Dwyane Wade would be available, but his contract demands might be more difficult than Butler's. According to the Miami Herald, Wade is looking for $20 million per season which the Bulls will not pay. However, he would be a solid replacement option for Butler. Wesley Matthews could also seem himself in the Windy City come 2015. The Boston Celtics have been linked to the Portland Trail Blazers' star, but it is unclear if he plans on departing alongside LaMarcus Aldridge.
