OKC Thunder Acquire Taj Gibson, Doug McDermott – Twitter Reacts
As the world waited to see what magician Sam Presti would conjour up for the OKC Thunder behind the closed doors of his office, fans took to Twitter to share in the suspense, shock, glee, and conflicting reports.
Here’s the highlights from OKC Thunder fans, departing players, newly acquired players and even some Bulls fans who were somewhat salty over the lopsided trade:
There Was Speculation:
Andre Roberson just walked out of the office and started hugging people...
— Thunder Film Room (@ThunderFilmRoom) February 23, 2017
There Was Sass:
— Andre Roberson (@FlyDre21) February 23, 2017
Bulls: We'll give you Doug McDermott, Taj Gibson & a 2018 2nd round pick
— The NBA Soul (@TheNBASoul) February 23, 2017
OKC: We'll give up a bag of chips & a stapler
Bulls: DEAL
OKC: pic.twitter.com/hrO30Olk3E
Sam Presti Was Praised:
NBA fans: Thunder won't get anything with out trading Kanter or Roberson.
— Jonathan Mitchell (@Jon_Mitchell3) February 23, 2017
Sam Presti: Hold my beer pic.twitter.com/57YMkcfld7
https://twitter.com/A_Francisco1/status/834854490268434435
OKC literally had depleted assets and still got Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott as well as a 2nd round pick for future trade. Presti you god
— Shai Gilgreatness-Alexander (@Jhickness9) February 23, 2017
Related: OKC Thunder trade for Gibson and McDermott
A Friendship Suffered:
https://twitter.com/6ixManRT/status/834862619546771457
Inside Information Surfaced:
Also: Bulls wanted Roberson, but the Thunder are committed to re-signing him in restricted free agency this summer.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) February 23, 2017
Sam Presti on the Thunder's 15th roster spot, possibility of Kendrick Perkins returning: pic.twitter.com/0oMQgSw5tc
— Erik Horne (@ErikkHorne) February 24, 2017
"This team deserved the opportunity to try to maximize itself. I wanted to give them the opportunity to learn how good they could be." pic.twitter.com/hQ22jTEWHh
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) February 24, 2017
Presti: On what Thunder expects from adding Gibson & McDermott to the team. "Versatility, certain core characteristics, toughness."
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) February 24, 2017
Thunder Fans Rejoiced:
Trade Deadline Winners: @WojVerticalNBA (I mean isn't he always) Thunder, Raptors, Rockets & Pelicans LOSERS: Celtics/Bulls/Clippers #NBA
— Tamberlyn Richardson (@TTOTambz) February 23, 2017
https://twitter.com/okcthunder/status/834996618168520704
THERE IT IS https://t.co/xRatSCMlE3
— Thunderous Intentions (@thunderousint) February 23, 2017
Yum yum yum yum yum yum yum https://t.co/SLERPsJDNo
— Innkeeper Tone (@tony_heim) February 23, 2017
Bulls Fans Mourned:
Summary of #bulls #thunder deal at the NBA trade deadline pic.twitter.com/bOyxcMZhha
— Curtis (@curtisssmithhh) February 23, 2017
Thunder acquire: Taj Gibson, Doug McDermott, 2018 2nd Round Pick
— Jules Winnfield🕴🏾 (@hesjustniceee) February 23, 2017
Bulls acquire: pic.twitter.com/NVhvvRE3ds
#FireGarPax trends on Twitter after Bulls trade Taj Gibson, Doug McDermott to Thunder https://t.co/RVUlfbmgvT by @_phil_thompson pic.twitter.com/oFOfTBU3rl
— Chicago Tribune Sports (@ChicagoSports) February 24, 2017
Here's Michael Jordan showing the total number of draft picks the Bulls have now given up in deals involving Doug McDermott. pic.twitter.com/1Hq19jJYM3
— Nillz (@TheBullsShow) February 23, 2017
Players Said Goodbye:
I have appreciated my time in OKC, Thanks to the Thunder fans and organization. Happy to open a new chapter of my journey with the Bulls.
— Joffrey Lauvergne (@1JOLOLO) February 24, 2017
https://twitter.com/MrAnthonyMorrow/status/834868477789892608
— Cameron Payne (@campayne) February 23, 2017
Related: Quick React Trade Grade
Bonus:
“Now, it’s off to OKC and a new chapter in my life and I’m so excited to see what lies ahead. All I can tell the Thunder fans is that you’ll get everything I’ve got every single day and I’m looking forward to our journey together!” – Gibson
Bulls fans sentiments to Gibson leaving offers insight to the quality of character the OKC Thunder have added to their roster:
Bulls fans bid adieu to Gibson:
dvareon THANK YOU TAJ FOR ALL YOU HAVE GIVEN TO THIS CITY!
finishstrongbasketball Thank you Taj. Forever a Bull
the.kitty.consumer Respect!!!
maragotskillzzz NOOOOOoooooo
maragotskillzzz I’m crushed but I still luv u
areynaga18 We’ll miss you Taj. All the best in the future
prezidentdash Gonna miss you in that Bulls uniform
iosc_1 I will miss you Taj. You have a special place in every Chicago Bulls fan’s heart. Thank you for everything and best of luck to you.
erjpollo Thanks for your hard work everything you did for this team is appreciated. Good luck in your new journey!
kennyhess25 We gonna miss you man! Good luck at OKC! Keep grindin
vitalyatwoodvlogs 😭😭😭😭😭😭
vitalyatwoodvlogs Good luck at OKC man ever since I been watching the bulls I been watching u good luck
ancient_apex_art✊👊✊👊✊💙💚💙💚 much love @tajgibson22 sad to see you go. I will remain your fan regardless.
shaniqua_84Love u taj @tajgibson22
gnutt2Nothing but respect and love! Good luck in OKC man 😔
islandgyal67You’ll be missed! This was a bad deal!!! We NEVER should’ve traded you! This is Chicago’s loss! Gar & Pax have lost it!
santijisaJust can I say is… THANK YOU AND GOOD LUCK. WE WILL MISS YOU A LOT
OKC Thunder fans welcome Gibson with open arms:
And following the warm welcome at the airport Taj Gibson was touched by the welcome.
According to Taj Gibson's SnapChat account (TajGibson22), he felt the love from Thunder fans at the airport. pic.twitter.com/R70ed3YAPx
— Boomtown Hoops (@BoomtownHoops) February 24, 2017
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
For a Twitter Diary encompassing the roller coaster emotions OKC Thunder fans experienced check out Jeremy Lambert’s article.
Over the next few days and weeks celebrations will continue on and off social media. Make sure to stay connected to Thunderous Intentions for your full trade coverage and all things OKC Thunder.