Thunder acquire Taj Gibson, Doug McDermott from Bulls, agent says
Taj Gibson #22 of the Chicago Bulls shoots during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on January 4, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Bulls defeated the Cavaliers 106-94. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice. Credit: Getty Images / Jason Miller
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Thunder have added some help for Russell Westbrook acquiring Chicago Bulls forwards Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott just before the NBA trade deadline.
Mark Bartelstein, the agent for Gibson and McDermott, confirmed the deal in an email to The Associated Press on Thursday. He said the Thunder sent Cameron Payne, Joffrey Lauvergne and Anthony Morrow to Chicago. The Bulls also will send a 2018 second-round pick to the Thunder.
Gibson adds the athleticism and experience to the front line that the Thunder lost when they traded Serge Ibaka in last year’s draft. McDermott improves the Thunder’s shaky outside shooting.
Payne was a promising backup to Westbrook but had missed much of the season with a foot injury. Morrow, primarily a 3-point shooter, lost playing time to rookie Alex Abrines this season.
