Taj Gibson, who is set to become an unrestricted free-agent for the first time in his career, has expressed his desire to with the Chicago Bulls, the team that drafted him in 2009. K.C Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reported.
Gibson, the longest tenure player on the Bulls roster following the departure of Derrick Rose (trade) and Joakim Noah (free-agent) to the New York Knicks last summer, is well-respected inside the Bulls locker room. Head coach Fred Hoiberg even considered the veteran banger the rock of the team because of his role as a stabilizer.
According to Johnson, Gibson and the Bulls have mutual interest to work out a new contract after this season. Having signed is current deal in 2012 when the old CBA was in effect, Gibson is eligible for a contract extension during the season. However, the Bulls couldn't afford to offer Gibson a significant deal since they are over the salary cap.
Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors provided details on the situation:
"Chicago doesn't currently have any cap room, meaning the team couldn't offer Gibson a significant raise on a new in-season deal. The former USC standout is earning $8,950,000 this season, and could get a 7.5% raise on an extension, which would mean a starting salary worth $9,621,250 and up to three new years."
Averaging 12.1 points and 7.9 rebounds through 23 games, Gibson's solid play as a starting power forward is one of the reasons why the Bulls are one of the elite teams in the Eastern Conference early this season.
The Bulls' interest to renew their relationship with Gibson next summer only means it would take a lot for teams to snatch him from the Bulls. The Toronto Raptors and the Sacramento Kings have expressed interest in the veteran forward the past few seasons, though trade talks didn't prosper.
"The basketball gods always reward you. Just stay the course," Gibson told the Chicago Tribune. "I always just do my job and never be a distraction for my team. I'm blessed to be here a long time. I remember over the years a lot of trade rumors, a lot of times I thought I wasn't going to make it through. They stayed with me. It speaks to my character."
