The Chicago Bulls need to stop looking for a young spark and start bringing back the veteran grit they lost. A reunion with Taj Gibson makes total sense right now, not for his scoring, but for what he brings to the room. While his stats have dipped, his legacy with the team remains strong. The trade that sent him to New Orleans just cleared a path for him to come home.
The Trade Details and The Cost
Memphis recently moved Gibson to the Pelicans in a deal that brought Jordan Hawkins and two future second-round picks to the Grizzlies. This shift means the Pelicans will likely cut him loose soon. Will Guillory reported that New Orleans intends to waive Gibson, leaving them with a tiny financial obligation. The team will still owe him just $100,000 of his remaining contract. That is a bargain price for a player with his history.
Memphis signed Gibson to a two-year, $4.8 million deal, and he is now in the second year of that agreement. The second season was never fully guaranteed, which allowed the Pelicans to move him off the books for such a small fee. This financial flexibility is rare in today’s NBA market. It gives the Bulls a unique chance to add a legend without breaking their bank.
A Locker Room Leader for the Rebuild
At 41 years old, Gibson will not be the guy who scores 20 points a night. He played only 10 games for Memphis this season, averaging 3.4 points and 2.7 rebounds in under 10 minutes. But the Bulls do not need another scorer. They need someone who knows what it takes to win in this city. Stacey King once described Gibson’s toughness on the court with the phrase “hard hat, lunch pail.” That is exactly the kind of attitude a young roster needs to learn.
Gibson spent eight years with the Bulls, which stands as his longest stint with any team in his career. He has 17 years of NBA experience under his belt. That kind of time in the league teaches you how to handle pressure and lead by example. The Bulls have a hole in their final roster spot. If they bring him aboard for the 2026-27 season, he would likely fill that spot at a minimum salary of $3.8 million. That is a fair price for a mentor.
This is not about the stats. It is about the culture. The Bulls are in a rebuild, and they need players who care more about the team than their own numbers. Gibson has proven he fits that mold. He played through injuries and gave everything for the fanbase. Bringing him back sends a clear message that the organization values heart over flash.
The Pelicans plan to waive him, and the money is already accounted for. The path is clear for Chicago to make a move.
