NBA Trade Rumors: Best Landing Spots for Taj Gibson

Dec 25, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) during the first half of a NBA basketball game on Christmas at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 19, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) and forward Blake Griffin (right) warm up before playing against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

Honorable Mention: Los Angeles Clippers

Taj Gibson spent his college basketball career with the USC Trojans. Thus, it stands to reason that he’d welcome a move to Southern California, where he could potentially serve as the missing piece along the Los Angeles Clippers’ frontline.

The Clippers are actually the best fit for Gibson, but a move to Los Angeles would come with the harsh reality of being a reserve all over again.

Los Angeles has a pair of All-NBA big men in power forward Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. Thus, it stands to reason that Gibson would have just as much trouble finding consistent playing time if he were to play for the Clippers.

Given Jordan’s well-documented struggles at the free throw line, however, Gibson could be of great value.

Gibson isn’t elite at the charity stripe, but he’s a career 69.0 percent free throw shooter—28.2 percent higher than Jordan’s career mark. In late-game situations, when teams employ the hack-a-Jordan approach, Gibson could play big minutes.

This isn’t a foolproof plan, but Gibson would play both the 4 and the 5 on a team that needs interior depth.

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