NBA Trade Rumors 2014: Chicago Bulls Could Trade Taj Gibson to Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Bobcats

The Chicago Bulls could become sellers before the deadline and recent reports suggested that the team will not hesitate to move another marquee player this month, regarding trading key veteran Taj Gibson.

Kirk Hinrich and Mike Dunleavy were recently mentioned as potential trade chips for the Bulls. But aside from the two veteran guards, recent reports suggested that the Bulls could also consider trading promising power forward Gibson.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported that the Bulls are getting inquiries about the availability of Gibson, who is averaging a career-best 12.2 points per game to go along with 6.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks this season.

According to the report, the Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, and Charlotte Bobcats have signified their interest in trading for the 28-year-old power forward, but the Bulls have yet to decide on whether or not to part ways with the five-year veteran.

Trading Gibson could be viewed as another step backwards for the Bulls, similar to what they did when they traded Luol Deng to the Cleveland Cavaliers for the cap-friendly contract of Andrew Bynum.

But it should be noted that parting ways with Gibson for future assets like picks along with players with expiring contracts will put the Bulls in a better financial situation in the offseason.

It will give them a good chance of landing another superstar to play alongside Derrick Rose, especially if the Bulls decide to amnesty veteran power forward Carlos Boozer.

"The Bulls probably will use the amnesty clause on Carlos Boozer's contract this summer. It calls for him to make $16.8 million next season. That makes moving Gibson all but a necessity if the Bulls want to stay under the luxury tax and add a max deal. Gibson will make $8 million next season, $8.5 million in 2015-16 season and $8.95 million in the final year of the contract," the Sun-Times noted.

Previous reports suggested that the Bulls are planning to target LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony in the offseason if the two superstars decide to test free agency.

Recent rumors indicated that Anthony has yet to think about his plans, but NBA executives are reportedly convinced that the 29-year-old superstar will leave the New York Knicks and sign with the Bulls, Lakers, or Los Angeles Clippers next summer.