NBA Trade Rumors; Kevin Love To Chicago Talks Revived! Taj Gibson, Jimmy Butler Now Part Of Offer! Will This Trump The Cavs?

The NBA Trade Rumors are still Kevin Love's territory until the time he is actually traded. The Chicago Bulls, realizing the potential threat that division mate Cleveland Cavaliers would pose if they acquire the Timberwolves forward, is now making a last ditch effort to acquire him.

Taj Gibson, who used to be an untouchable in a trade offer, is now on the table. Perhaps because of the Pau Gasol acquisition, Gibson becomes expendable. Adding Jimmy Butler, one of the best defensive perimeter players in the league, was also a surprise.

It seems like the directive is to stop Cleveland from acquiring Kevin Love at all costs. But is that offer enough?

From ESPN:

"The Cleveland Cavaliers are firmly in the lead to acquire Kevin Love but the Chicago Bulls are making a renewed push to get into the trade mix for the All-Star power forward, according to sources close to the process. ...

Sources say that the Bulls, though, have this re-entered the race and would appear to be the biggest threat to the Cavs, thanks largely to the Golden State Warriors' resolute unwillingness to add longtime Wolves target Klay Thompson in a deal.

Although the full extent of the Bulls' offer wasn't immediately known, it is believed Minnesota would seek a package from Chicago featuring forward Taj Gibson and defensive ace Jimmy Butler in addition to other assets. The Bulls shelved their Love interest while trying to sign Carmelo Anthony away from the New York Knicks but, according to sources, have re-emerged as a contender."

Trading Butler will put more pressure on Doug McDermott to perform, perhaps even in a starting role. The Bulls are confident in the power forward position because of Gasol and Nikola MIrotic. Of course, this is also Kevin Love's position.

The big question though is whether the Minnesota Timberwolves would pull the trigger on the trade. They continue to claim that they intend to keep Kevin Love (or at least try to) but they continue to entertain offers. For most observers, Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett plus a first rounder is still the best offer, but Gibson and Butler are both ready to contribute right away. They also have playoff experience, which Minnesota sorely lacks.