Chicago Bulls Looking To Trade Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah, And Taj Gibson
The Chicago Bulls are the team NBA general managers need to call if they need size, as Pau Gasol, Joacim Noah, and Taj Gibson are now on the trading block, according to CBS Sports.
For starters, the Chicago Bulls like Taj Gibson, Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah. The trio is not on the trading block because they did something wrong or are terrible assets. Far from it.
Pau Gasol, a forward, starts at center for the Chicago Bulls. His averages of 15.9 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, and 2.8 assists would be appreciated by every team in the NBA.
Joakim Noah has been coming off the bench for the Chicago Bulls, but he could easily start on most NBA teams. He is simply doing the right thing for the team by being a reserve.
Taj Gibson has been quite the luxury for the Chicago Bulls over the past several years. Like Joakim Noah, he could start for a lot of teams in the NBA. He has the required talent.
Fortunately for the Chicago Bulls, they have enviable depth up front. Nikola Mirotic is capable of a bigger role, while rising rookie Bobby Portis needs to get on the court.
The reasons why the Chicago Bulls are willing to part ways with these guys is because they need an upgrade on the perimeter and should get something back for potential free agents.
Chicago Bulls general manager, Gar Forman, and head coach, Fred Holberg, know that they need to find a small forward that can be a good complement to Jimmy Butler, their top star.
Despite sitting on a 16-11 record, Jimmy Butler has been frustrated with the play of his teammates. He recently made headlines when he publicly called out Fred Hoiberg to the media.
Jimmy Butler is a lock down defender, so the new small forward doesn’t have to be great at shutting down opponents. A three point shooter could help clear the lanes for Butler.
Doc Rivers and the Los Angeles Clippers have been trying to find someone to take on Lance Stephenson, though he is not exactly known as a team player over the past few years.
The Sacramento Kings have promised Caron Butler that they will find a team that can give him a bigger role. The veteran is a team player and can shoot from beyond the three-point line.
Since the Sacramento Kings may be looking to move DeMarcus Cousins, then someone solid like Joakim Noah can be viewed as a potential replacement as the starting center.
At 30-years of age, Joakim Noah should not be considered a long-term plan at center, but the Sacramento Kings will take it because he can still be productive for a couple of years.
Though he might not be strong enough to play forward, Will Barton has had some impressive moments as of late. Once Gary Neal returns, the Denver Nuggets could move him.
The Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah era did not last long for the Chicago Bulls. They were considered one of the top forward/center tandems in the NBA and made the team a contender.
For sure, Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah will be in different uniforms next season. If it were up to the Chicago Bulls, it would be a little bit sooner.
[Featured Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images]
