Trading places: OKC Thunder top 5 trade deadline deals

Taj Gibson:

Speaking of players I miss having around, getting Taj Gibson at the trade deadline in 2017 was one of the best trades made in Thunder history. Oklahoma City got Gibson, along with Doug McDermott and a pair of second rounders from Chicago for Anthony Morrow, Joffrey Lauvergne and Cameron Payne.

This deal was a win-win because it gave Oklahoma City a veteran rim protector and gave Chicago a decent mix of young athletes. Don’t get me wrong, McDermott was a solid asset and a little more versatile than Morrow, but Gibson’s presence on both ends of the floor was a real plus for the Thunder.

Gibson clocked over 20 minutes a game and scored almost 10 points with 4.5 rebounds in 26 outings. He also had two, double-digit games in the playoffs, including 20 points in a win over the Rockets.

Unfortunately, Presti couldn’t keep him from reuniting with his old coach and teammates in Minnesota, but it was fun while it lasted. And he was definitely missed the following year when the Thunder lacked that grit in the post from the four-position which they had for so long.