Chicago Bulls: Takeaways From Taj Gibson, Doug McDermott Trade
The Chicago Bulls parted ways with both Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott prior to Thursday’s trade deadline. Was this the right move?
Good morning, Chicago Bulls fans.
Unless you have been sleeping under a rock over the last day and a half, you are more than likely aware of the fact that your team sent Taj Gibson, Doug McDermott and a 2018 second-round draft pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for point guard Cameron Payne, wingman Anthony Morrow, and backup center Joffrey Lauvergne.
Thunder get: McDermott, Gibson, 2018 2nd-rd pick
— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) February 23, 2017
Bulls get: Payne, Lauvergne, Morrow@ShamsCharania report. Live: https://t.co/TKjwLqzcU7 pic.twitter.com/i4MpaGBD10
While Gibson has been the subject of trade rumors during the past few seasons, it seemed somewhat surprising that the Bulls were willing to part ways with their longest-tenured player and the lone remaining piece from a group that went to the Eastern Conference Finals back in 2011.
Meanwhile, McDermott was having the best season of his career (more on that later) and for a team that is ranked near the bottom of the league in three-point shooting, this move falls into the category of questionable to say the least.
Having said that, here are the main takeaways from this trade. We will first begin by taking a look at what the Bulls gave up.