GIBSON, MCDERMOTT, PAYNE HIGHLIGHT 5-PLAYER BULLS-THUNDER TRADE
The Oklahoma City Thunder acquired power forward/center Taj Gibson, swingman Doug McDermott, and a 2nd-round draft pick in 2018 from the Chicago Bulls for point guard Cameron Payne, swingman Anthony Morrow, and power forward/center Joffrey Lauvergne.
What does it give the Oklahoma City Thunder
The recent injury-related loss of Enes Kanter made adding Gibson a must for the playoffs-hopeful Thunder. Gibson can help OKC hold off Denver for the seventh seed in the West, and his contract can come off the books this summer when he hits free agency. Meanwhile McDermott replaces Morrow's perimeter shooting game, and probably upgrades it. This is a nice 'hired help' move by the Thunder, which also gets a second-round pick in 2018 in the bargain.
What does it give the Chicago Bulls
The key here for Chicago is Payne, who has the talent to eventually be a starting NBA point guard. Both of Lauvergne and Morrow appear to be throw-ins to make the money work, and both become free agents following this season. With Payne now in the fold, Chicago has Michael Carter-Williams, Jerian Grant, and Payne--three potential starting point guards--going forward to compete for the gig once the team moves on from Rajon Rondo. This swap additionally opens up more playing time in the frontcourt for the likes of Nikola Mirotic, Bobby Portis, and Cristiano Felicio.
Fantasy impact
Don't expect much change in fantasy fortunes for either of Gibson nor McDermott with the Thunder; both are key reserves, but it may be tough to crack OKC's starting lineup. On the Bulls side of things, Payne gets a small boost in keeper appeal for years from now, but not much else. Do keep an eye on Mirotic, Portis, and Felicio (as they should all see increased minutes following this deal).
