What is Taj Gibson's Trade Value? Analysis of the NBA Market for the Chicago Bulls Forward

With the selection of Arkansas Power Forward Bobby Portis in the 2015 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls made the logjam of talented big men on the roster even more glutted.

Taj Gibson has been a posterizing machine for the Chicago Bulls, but will he a Bull much longer?

In addition to Portis, who was one of the best players for the Chicago Bulls' summer league squad, the Chicago Bulls also retained the services of Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson, and Pau Gasol, an All-Star starter last season, on the front lines from last season.

You could also lump in the runner-up for Rookie of the Year and former Spanish League MVP, Nikola Mirotic, just to emphasize the wealth of front court talent the Bulls come into the season with.

With Bobby Portis looking likely to be able to immediately contribute, and coming on board with the Bulls on a rookie contract, the obvious question is: which one of the other talented big men will be traded?

And while an incredible depth of front court talent will probably power the San Antonio Spurs to the NBA Finals this season, the formula did not work for the Chicago Bulls last season, as they saw unheralded young players like Tristan Thompson outwork their older, more established, and more decorated big men for rebound after rebound.

Joakim Noah was one player whose play seriously regressed last season, and who would be on the trading block if not for his nearly $13.4 million/season, although it will be the final season on his contract. It would be a big gamble for other teams if last season represents a trend as Noah reaches the other side of 30, and not simply the result of minor nagging injuries.

With his strong summer league play, Bobby Portis has given the Bulls options.

Unfortunately, with his more trade friendly contract, Taj Gibson will be the most likely to fetch solid value in trade to bolster the Chicago Bulls roster and championship aspirations.

With Chicago still searching for consistant scorers and wing depth, as well as, point guard depth, trading Taj Gibson, an incredibly deft and talented big man, could bring the right piece or two to round out this edition of the Chicago Bulls.

The Bulls have reportedly had talks with several teams regarding Taj Gibson, and even more teams would be interested in getting in the conversation.

The Los Angeles Lakers were probably the first on the phone inquiring about Taj Gibson. While the Lakers have young, talented big man Julius Randle, they lack depth at the position, as well as, a proper mentor for Randle. It is also likely that in his final NBA season, Kobe Bryant will want to play for more than just a playoff spot and a first round dismissal. It is unclear what the Lakers would have to offer in exchange for Gibson that would fit Chicago's championship aspirations. Lou Williams?

The Toronto Raptors are probably the most likely landing spot for Gibson, at the moment. They want Gibson and they have a player that would fill a need for Chicago. Toronto has been reluctant to commit to Terrence Ross with a long term deal, and it is uncertain if the Raptors will. The Bulls are looking to add talent, youth, and depth to their wing rotation. Ross would add defense and athleticism in the starting SF position and allow Mike Dunleavy, Jr. to come off the bench as a long distance specialist.

The Sacramento Kings were named in one report as a possible destination for Gibson, but the trade would need to center around dealing for veteran small forward, Rudy Gay. Rather unlikely. While it is possible that new Kings GM Vlade Divac is looking to make the move, it seems that he is, at the very least, on a short leash judging by the overriding veto of any deal involving DeMarcus Cousins by Sacramento Kings ownership.

Do you think Taj Gibson is going to get traded this season? Where will he be traded to and for whom? Let us know what you think in the comments below!