NBA Trade Rumors: Taj Gibson To Raptors? Forward Unhappy About Reserve Role!

The NBA Trade Rumors continue as some players demand more recognition (and of course, more money) than their team can give. Taj Gibson of the Chicago Bulls is probably the best reserve at his position and could actually start for most teams.

Gibson has been a reserve for too long. He is hard-working and versatile (he played center in stretches when Joakim Noah was injured) and most critics believe he will be the next breakout star. When the Bulls finally amnestied Carlos Boozer, it was supposed to be his time.

However, they failed to nab their free agent target Carmelo Anthony but they got a very dignified acquisition in Pau Gasol. The only problem is that Gasol will start and push Taj to the bench once again.

Will this sit well for the Gibson?

During the Kevin Love trade circus, his name was mentioned but he aired this sentiment:

"All I can do is be a player and represent whatever team I'm wearing their jersey. But I hope I don't have to leave Chicago any time soon. This is like my first home."

But Bulls insiders have a different story. Gibson is probably as loyal as they come but there have been precedents were rising stars eventually want the spotlight. The 29-year old forward is only human as CSN Chicago states:

"Privately, Gibson isn't too thrilled with the prospect of continuing to be a reserve, according to multiple people familiar with the situation, but the upbeat, team-first player values winning and chemistry too much to make it an issue or distraction."

The best antidote to any internal problems is winning. If Chicago lives up to the high expectations, then Gibson would find it hard to leave a possible championship run.

Still, Bleacher Report has Toronto Raptors GM Masai Ujiri eyeing the Bulls reserve:

"Masai has been great about accumulating picks, so he's got some things to work with, but getting a top-flight PF won't be easy. Taj Gibson might become available, and he'd be a fun guy to have in there."