Thunder Shopping For Taj Gibson

The Chicago Bulls have finally made a trade.

First reaction is surprise and amazement.

But the Bulls’ most recent deal would indicate a youth movement, trading away a quality veteran in Gibson to free up more playing time for second-year forward Bobby Portis, while also bringing in Payne to (hopefully) be their point guard of the future.

Gibson was selected by the Bulls with the 26th overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. So, they turned the deal into two micro-trades, according to Bleacher Report’s Jon Hamm, staying above the salary cap and thus, maintaining their exceptions. Semaj Christon will be backing up Westbrook now, which is fine but he may not be a long-term solution.

In adding McDermott, the Thunder see a high-level, young shooter who can play multiple positions. Remember, the Bulls are last in the National Basketball Association in three-point shooting. Kanter needed offensive help on the bench, and he will get that in McDermott.

In his third season, McDermott is averaging 10.2 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 assist and 24.5 minutes in 44 games.

He represents an upgrade on Morrow, who has previously filled the same role with OKC, averaging 5.8 points and shooting 29.4% from long distance.

But realistically, with nearly 20 points lost from both Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott’s point contribution, it looks like the trade ended all hopes of even making the playoffs this year.

But this move certainly gives the team a better chance at moving up. Because of those stats – along with the fact that Gibson is effective at both ends of the floor – it should come as no surprise why teams would be interested in acquiring his services.

Payne was expected to be Westbrook’s backup before missing much of the season with a foot injury. The Bulls traded for former NBA Rookie of the Year and Milwaukee Bucks point guard Michael Carter-Williams as well as Jerian Grant, then signed stars Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo during the offseason.

Oklahoma City holds the No. 7 seed in the West thanks to its 32-25 record.

As reported a few hours ago, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Chicago Bulls agreed to a reasonable trade.