I haven't seen that the Bulls have actually signed Taj to an extension. And they have until Wednesday (I assume midnight Wednesday/Thursday) to get it done. With OKC dealing Harden now, to get something in return for him, it makes you wonder if the Bulls aren't in exactly the same position and frame of mind? Also... KMart probably will be a UFA next summer, and he'd be a good guy to have next to Rose, IMO.
http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/outside-shot/176281131.html But with the departure of Omer Asik to the Houston Rockets, no one in Chicago wants to see another talented player stolen from underneath the Bulls because of money. ... Is $2 million annually going to be what keeps Gibson in Chicago or will it be the straw that breaks the camels back and force him into wearing a new uniform next season? We’ll find out in two days.
A difference of $2mil annually will definitely keep an extension from getting done. I don't remember, but I suspect that such a difference kept Deng from getting an extension. I hope the deal gets done now, but if Gibson becomes a RFA this coming summer, it doesn't mean he's gone.
^^^ You know that was the NBC article that wrote that, "we'll find out in two days." Omer's starting for Houston at $5M this season. Taj is 27 this season. For ages 28, 29, 30, and 31, he's going to get his only "big" contract. I don't blame him for going for all he can get. For the $1.1M he made last season (and less previous seasons), it averages out nicely for the years he'd end up giving us. I wish the team were about players and treating them well, or even about cap flexibility. But it's about money. The latest from NBC: http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/outside-shot/176418811.html Why Taj Gibson Might Be Traded If the Bulls can't agree on an extension with Gibson by Wednesday, then a trade is a realistic possibility
As an aside, wasn't Chris Douglas-Roberts just claimed on waivers by the Mavs? If the Bulls had the flexibility to have signed him, or traded a 2nd round pick for him, I think he'd be the best offseason pickup of the bunch. At 6'7", he would give us good defense at the 2 and 3 positions. It wouldn't be horrible if he had to fill in games for Rip, and we could actually find some minutes for Deng to get a breather. FWIW
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/bulls-gibson-not-expecting-extension-234311931--nba.html Bulls' Gibson not expecting extension CHICAGO (AP) -- Forward Taj Gibson does not expect to agree to a contract extension with the Chicago Bulls before Wednesday's deadline. Asked if he's turning down the Bulls' offer, Gibson says that's ''the way I see it.'' He spoke briefly before the season opener against the Sacramento Kings. The sides have until 10:59 p.m. Central time to reach an agreement. Otherwise, he becomes a restricted free agent at the end of the season, meaning the Bulls would have the right to match any offer he receives on the open market. A first-round pick out of Southern California in 2009, Gibson is entering his fourth season. He has averaged 7.9 points and 6.2 rebounds in his career.
