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Bulls Discussing Taj Gibson Trade With Toronto Raptors

By
Matt Peck
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bulls discussing taj gibson trade toronto raptors

The NBA trade deadline is just ten days away. With each passing day, buyers and sellers will ramp up their negotiations across the league. Bulls fans might be freaking out about the possibility of sending Jimmy Butler to the Celtics, but the Tribune‘s K.C. Johnson recently told the guys on The 312 Podcast that has a less than 5% chance of happening. Sending impending free agent Taj Gibson away for either a younger player or draft pick is much more likely. And the most obvious suitors for Gibson’s services are hard at work.

Earlier today, Sean Deveney of Sporting News reported that the Toronto Raptors are in talks with the Bulls for a potential Gibson trade. They are also interested in Orlando’s Serge Ibaka and Denver’s Danilo Gallinari.

Seller’s Market

The Raptors sorely need a sturdy presence at power forward. Gallinari could provide another shooter and more of a stretch four option, whereas Gibson and Ibaka would be much-needed defensive help. Gibson, more so than Ibaka, can also offer traditional offensive contributions for a power forward: decent post moves and a reliable midrange jumper.

The question is whether or not the Raptors want to risk bringing any of these veterans on board for their playoff run. Toronto is trending the wrong way while teams like Boston and Washington are surging ahead. If the Raptors still think they have what it takes to get back to the conference finals, and potentially dethrone Cleveland, a half-season loan would be worth it. But trading for Gibson, Ibaka or Gallinari carries the risk of losing them this summer. Gibson and Ibaka will be unrestricted free agents. Gallinari has a player option entering the final year of his deal, and could choose to hit the free agent market as well.

Originally, the Raptors’ prime target was Atlanta’s star forward Paul Millsap, but the Hawks told everyone a few weeks ago that he’s now off the market. Gibson, Gallinari and Ibaka are the best of a fairly weak power forward market right now.

The Right Time

For the Bulls to make this deal, Gar Forman and John Paxson have to reach two conclusions: First, they must acknowledge that this team isn’t going anywhere in the playoffs, if they get there. If GarPax concede that point, then trading Gibson to put themselves in a better position for next season makes sense. If they still believe these Bulls are playoff contenders, they won’t trade Gibson because his valuable to this current squad is immeasurable.

Secondly, if they decide to let Gibson go, they must feel 100% confident that they’re getting back solid value from Toronto. The Raptors have interesting pieces: Norman Powell, Bruno Caboclo, Jakob Poeltl, Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet are all in their early twenties. There’s also Toronto’s first round pick and a 2017 first round pick they’re owed from the Clippers. What combination of those picks and players is Toronto willing to trade away for what could amount to just a few months of Gibson’s services?

It’s a tough call. Or perhaps calls is more appropriate. There will be plenty of said calls between the Bulls and Raptors as we get closer to that deadline. We’ll keep you posted.

Follow @Bulls_Peck on Twitter for the latest updates on Bulls trade rumors.

Emerging Chicago Bears Receiver Considered Best In NFL At This

By
Erik Lambert
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cameron meredith destiny

The Chicago Bears are consumed with finding a quarterback in 2017. Such is the life of most teams that don’t have one. Yet this can’t be their only focus. Teams that finish 3-13 don’t have that luxury. Other areas will require their attention from the defensive secondary to their almost totally devoid tight end position.

Still, that doesn’t mean there is nothing for fans to be excited about. There are also plenty of young players on the roster who appear ready to take their games to the next level. Jordan Howard already reached his first Pro Bowl as a rookie. Cody Whitehair became an unexpected fixture a center for them. Leonard Floyd looked like that dynamic edge rush they’ll need to reach the next level on defense.

However, there is another name on the roster who isn’t getting enough credit. Somebody who seems poised to have a breakout season in 2017 and is garnering respect.

Chicago Bears Quarterback Trade History Is Beyond Eye-Opening

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears quarterback trade history

On the one hand Chicago Bears fans are beyond excited. It marks the first time in eight years the team will in all likelihood go hunting for a new quarterback. At the same time, there are plenty who remain utterly terrified. Few NFL franchises have a worse track record at finding quality quarterbacks than this one.

One Pro Bowl appearance since 1985? One representative in the Pro Football Hall of Fame? It’s really not that hard to understand why this team is no longer considered one of the bedrock franchises in this sport. It has become a league driven by quarterbacks. So nobody will respect a team that has no earthly idea what the good ones look like. Until it’s too late anyway.

Now here they are again, facing their latest end-of-semester exam. Have they learned anything? Based on some strong rumors of what they’re about to attempt, it’s hard to think they have. At least according to what the history says.

Kris Bryant’s Older Brother, Nick, Sits Down To Chat With Sports Mockery

By
Gus
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I recently got the chance to sit down with Kris Bryant’s older brother, Nick, to talk about a variety of topics about life growing up with the future NL MVP. A few months back, I interviewed Bryant’s high school coaches to give fans some insight as to how much of a bad ass player he was in high school and by talking to Nick, I’d get to unveil yet another side of Bryant that very few fans know — the little brother.

After talking to Nick for about an hour, it dawned on me that the two boys childhoods were driven by common aspects that would eventually help them form a bond that remains very strong to this day.

3 Things That Should Be On Every White Sox Fan’s Wish List In 2017

By
Emmet McClain
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With Spring Training just days away, the chances of another blockbuster trade happening are all about dried up for the White Sox this offseason. There’s no reason to be upset by this, as Rick Hahn has stressed patience to all White Sox fans since the Winter Meetings in December. So far, many fans would say that the rebuild is off to a great start on the South Side.

With that being said, for those White Sox fans hoping to see the rebuild hit warp speed, here’s three things you should have on your wish list for 2017.

1) Colorado Rockies In A Pennant Race At The Trade Deadline

As talked about in one of my previous articles, the Colorado Rockies have the potential to make a postseason run. Offensively, they are loaded with the likes of Trevor Story, Nolan Arenado, D.J. LeMahieu, and more. The one thing that might be holding them back from being a true contender is starting pitching. The trade deadline in 2017 is already being rumored to be one of the busiest and most exciting in recent memory. If the Rockies find themselves in a situation where they are a starting pitcher away from being a legit contender, it would be the best thing possible for the White Sox.

Let’s say for now that the Rockies will be in a pennant race at the deadline and will need a starting pitcher. Let’s also say that Jose Quintana is still a member of the White Sox at that time. The Sox could send Quintana to Colorado for a package centered around prized short stop prospect Brendan Rodgers. Rodgers is still about a year away, but even if he wasn’t, he is blocked at virtually every infield position anyways. Depending on how desperate Colorado might get, they could even throw in OF prospect Raimel Tapia, the Rockies’ 4th rated prospect. The Sox would receive at least one young stud in this potential deal, in turn speeding up their rebuild, while the Rockies get the frontline starter they need to make a real postseason run. Win-win.

If Rick Hahn is waiting for the perfect opportunity to get a maximum talent return for Quintana, this would be the dream scenario for it to happen.  

Pro Football Focus Says Bears Get Jimmy Garoppolo For This Vital Reason

By
Erik Lambert
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jimmy garoppolo

The Chicago Bears searching for a quarterback is the worst kept secret in America. They’ve technically been doing so dating back decades. The active search though probably began a couple months ago when Jay Cutler ruined his last opportunity. On the heels of a terrific performance against Minnesota on Halloween night, the veteran threw it away in an ugly effort against Tampa Bay two weeks later.

For many that day was the final straw. He played against an average defense with plenty of time to prepare and delivered a forgettable effort. There are those who still stand behind Cutler, but it’s clearer than ever they’re in the minority. Every sign points to the Bears wiping the slate clean with a new starting quarterback in 2017.

All their options are on the table. It’s a matter of finding out which one they’ll go with. The popular route of late is a trade involving New England Patriots backup Jimmy Garoppolo. Most have heard the story by now:  young, smart, accurate, learned behind best QB of all-time and an Illinois native. It’s an easy sell. The issue is which team has the best chance to get him?

This Underrated Free Agent Screams Ryan Pace Type For Bears

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears duron harmon

Thinking about Super Bowls just isn’t in the cards for the Chicago Bears right now. GM Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox have to set more realistic goals for 2017. Posting a winning record would be a step in the right direction. Otherwise they both know the odds of them keeping their jobs into 2018 grow more remote by the day.

Not an easy proposition, what with the team having just finished 3-13 last season. If it’s going to happen, the Bears have to make an all-out push this off-season to improve the roster. It was injuries and lack of depth that doomed them in 2016. They can’t control the former, but a productive process in free agency and the draft can correct the latter.

Free agency will be up first in early March. Given how the Bears have operated the past two years, it’s fair to assume they will stick to that same methodology. With that in mind, there is one name that sticks out as a probable target for them.

Former Bears Scout Pinpoints Best Quarterback in NFL Draft

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears deshone kizer
Credit: ESPN

It’s no secret the Chicago Bears are on the hunt for a new quarterback. Rumors are already off to a hot start and it’s only February. Dominating conversations of late is Jimmy Garoppolo. The New England Patriots backup and Illinois-native certainly makes for the most interesting story at the position thus far. However, is he the best option?

That is the all-encompassing question GM Ryan Pace has to have answered over the next couple months. He knows this decision will make or break his entire tenure in charge of this franchise. Getting it wrong will result in his termination in fairly short order. Getting it right? Well he’d be the first to do so since Jim Finks way back in 1982.

Garoppolo can’t be the only option for the Bears. Odds are much higher they may have to look at the NFL draft for an answer. If they want to exhaust every possible connection they have for help, then they might to call up an old friend.

This Chicago Bears Youngster Is Predicted To Rip Up NFL in 2017

By
Erik Lambert
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vic fangio reputation

The 2017 Chicago Bears are hardly even a reality yet. It’s no question that this team has loads of reshaping to do before next September. Thus it’s beyond difficult for fans to know how they feel about. So far all they know are two overall factors, each completely opposite of the other. This Bears team finished 3-13, its worst record since 1969. At the same time there was a host of young talent that began to emerge.

Younger veterans like Akiem Hicks and Cameron Meredith really began to show glimpses of what they could do. Yet it was the rookies that really generated the excitement. Cody Whitehair became pleasant surprise at center, claiming All-Rookie honors despite never playing the position in college. Then of course there was Jordan Howard, finishing second in the NFL in rushing and reaching his first Pro Bowl.

Amazingly it wasn’t them that were predicted to stampede through the NFL going into next season. That was saved for another.

Cubs Bring Back Key Piece To Their Bullpen

By
Gus
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The Cubs bullpen just got deeper.

Hard throwing right-hander Pedro Strop and the club avoided arbitration today when the team inked Strop to a one-year, $5.5 million dollar deal. Patrick Mooney of CSN was the first to report.

Adding Strop into the bullpen mix in 2017 is undoubtedly a huge addition. The Cubs have targeted both starting pitching and relief pitching this off season and arguably have a better bullpen then they did in 2016.

A bullpen that Strop played a big role in.

In 2016, Strop pitched 47.1 innings and gave up 16 runs as primarily the 7th or 8th inning guy. He saw his time decrease in the post season pitching only 5 innings in 8 games but that is not uncommon to see in the post season when all hands are on deck in the bullpen.

Where exactly Strop will fit into the pen in 2017 is yet to be seen. Carl Edwards Jr. is quickly rising as a potential superstar and seems to have Joe Maddon’s trust which was shown when he stepped into a huge Game 7 spot in the World Series, instead of Strop. Hector Rondon’s health will be questioned going into the season so it’s unsure where he fits in and you have to figure Justin Grimm and newly acquired Koji Uehara will be in the mix to fill that “set up” role in 2017.

However, having too much depth in the bullpen is a problem that I’m sure Joe Maddon and pitching coach Chris Bosio do not mind having.

Even though he sometimes resembles Carlos Marmol to a certain degree, I’ve always been a fan of Strop. He brings high energy to the mound and has a devastating slider that when controlled, is damn near untouchable.

Plus he gave me one of my favorite moments from 2015.

I’m also glad I get to hear people bitch about him not wearing his hat straight for yet another season.

#HatToTheLeft

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