The Chicago Bulls are entering this offseason with very little flexibility to make major improvements to their roster. Assuming Kirk Hinrich accepts his player option and the Bulls match any offer for Jimmy Butler, the Bulls will be right up against the luxury tax threshold. Bulls fans all know owner Jerry Reinsdorf loves to pay the the luxury tax.
The most realistic way for the Bulls to create some flexibility and improve is to trade Taj Gibson. Gibson is owed $8,500,000 during the 2015-16 season, and $8,950,000 in the 2016-17 season. With over $26 million already tied up to Joakim Noah, Pau Gasol, and Nikola Mirotic next season, Gibson has become a luxury in the frontcourt that the Bulls can no longer afford.
Gibson is a very strong defensive player who improved his offensive repertoire dramatically during the 2013-14 season, and will have some value on the trade market.
Mike Dunleavy is a free agent this offseason who, if re-signed, will lead to the Bulls having to pay the luxury tax. One solution is to let Dunleavy walk in free agency and trade Gibson for a serviceable replacement — preferably a strong 3-point shooter, or a backup frontcourt player. Another possibility is for the Bulls to parlay Gibson and their 22nd pick in this year’s draft for an even stronger player, or perhaps move up in the draft.
Although Gibson is a fan favorite and solid all-around player, his contract and potential trade value make him the most likely candidate on the Bulls to be traded this offseason.