Nuccio DiNuzzo / McClatchy-TribuneTaj Gibson dunks against the Celtics.
Terrence Antonio James / baiduhaiTaj Gibson dunks, making up for an earlier missed dunk, as the Bulls play the Nets at the United Center on March 17, 2016.
Brian Cassella / baiduhaiTaj Gibson ebfore a game at the United Center.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson dunks and hangs on the rim in front of the Pacers' Luis Scola.
Tony Gutierrez / Associated PressOmri Casspi, Taj Gibson, assistant head coach Kevin Durant and James Harden react to a play by DeJuan Blair in the final seconds of the Rookie Challenge game during All-Star Weekend. The rookies beat the sophomores 140-128.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson and Heat forward Luol Deng hug at the end of the game.
Scott Strazzante / baiduhaiBulls' Taj Gibson and Joakim Noah celebrate Gibson's 4th quarter basket against the Knicks.
Nancy Stone / baiduhaiBulls draft pick Taj Gibson is introduced in 2009.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiPau Gasol talks with Taj Gibson during a playoff game against the Cavaliers.
Scott Strazzante / baiduhaiTaj Gibson celebrates a dunk during Bulls' 105-84 win over the Bucks.
Tony Dejak / APTaj Gibson shoots over the Cavaliers' Tristan Thompson.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiTaj Gibson reacts to a referee's call during the first half against the Lakers at the United Center on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016, in Chicago.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson reacts after a basket during the second half against the Heat.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiTaj Gibson waits for the Bucks to take the floor after a timeout.
Erin Hooley / baiduhaiTaj Gibson reacts to a foul called on him at the end of the first half against the Nets.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson reacts to the referees during the second half against the Kings at the United Center on March 21, 2016.
Scott Strazzante / baiduhaiTaj Gibson battles for ball against the Nets' Brook Lopez during 110-91 loss in Game 5.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiTaj Gibson reacts near the end of the second half against the Lakers at the United Center on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016, in Chicago.
Elsa / Getty ImagesKnicks forward Carmelo Anthony tries to get past Taj Gibson at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 12, 2017, in New York City.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiTaj Gibson takes a shot over the Magic's Serge Ibaka during the first half on Nov. 7, 2016 at the United Center.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiTaj Gibson guards the Hornets' Frank Kaminsky III during the second half.
Jonathan Daniel / Getty ImagesTaj Gibson extends to grab a rebound against the Lakers at the United Center on Feb. 21, 2016.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson loses the ball in front of the Bucks' Jabari Parker during the first half on March 7, 2016, at the United Center.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiTaj Gibson cheers from the bench during the second half against the Pistons at the United Center on April 2, 2016.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiTaj Gibson laughs on the bench during the first half against the Pistons at the United Center.
Jonathan Daniel / Getty ImagesTaj Gibson grabs a rebound against the Pistons at the United Center on Dec. 19, 2016.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiTaj Gibson sits on the bench in the second half of a preseason game against the Bucks at the United Center.
Duane Burleson / APTaj Gibson dunks against the Pistons during the second half. The Pistons defeated the Bulls 98-94 in overtime.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson waves to fans after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at a White Sox game.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiTaj Gibson dunks over the Cavaliers' Matthew Dellavedova during Game 3 of the playoffs.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson and the Pacers' Paul George battle under the basket during the first half at the United Center on Dec. 26, 2016.
Anthony Souffle / baiduhaiTaj Gibson tries to block a shot from the Raptors' Amir Johnson during the second half.
Brian Cassella / baiduhaiTaj Gibson and the Heat's Chris Andersen shove each other during a playoff game.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson during the second half of a game against the Bobcats.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson reacts during the second half of their game against the Warriors.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiTaj Gibson shows his anger in the first half at the United Center.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson reacts after being called on a foul on the Heat's LeBron James during a playoff game.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiTaj Gibson breaks up a play by the Bucks' Jeff Adrien at the United Center.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson saves a ball from going out of bounds in front of the Trail Blazers' Noah Vonleh during a game at the United Center on Feb. 27, 2016.
Scott Strazzante / McClatchy-TribuneTaj Gibson tries to escape from a trap set by the Hawks' DeMarre Carroll and Paul Millsap.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiTaj Gibson sticks his tongue out at the Pacers players after the Bulls won 102-100 in overtime.
Brian Cassella / baiduhaiTaj Gibson reacts during a playoff game against the Wizards.
Scott Strazzante / baiduhaiTaj Gibson reacts late in 4th quarter of Bulls' 85-79 loss to the Raptors.
Brian Cassella / baiduhaiTaj Gibson practices during Bulls training camp.
Phelan M. Ebenhack / APTaj Gibson argues with an official during the second half against the Magic in Orlando on March 26, 2016. The Magic won 111-89.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiTaj Gibson is ushered away by teammates as he is ejected from a playoff game against the Heat.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson reacts after a dunk by teammate Ronnie Brewer during a playoff game.
Brian Cassella / baiduhaiTaj Gibson dunks against the Cavaliers during a preseason game at Assembly Hall in Champaign.
Rich Pedroncelli / APTaj Gibson, left, yells at referee Tyler Ford after he was called for technical foul during the second half against the Sacramento Kings on Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, in Sacramento, Calif.
Chris Szagola / APTaj Gibson shoots over the 76ers' Nerlens Noel during the first half. The Bulls won 115-111 in overtime.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson picks up teammate Nate Robinson as he celebrates aa three point basket from nearly half court at the buzzer at the end of the first quarter.
Jonathan Daniel / Getty ImagesTaj Gibson tries to get off a shot under pressure from Brandon Bass of the Lakers at the United Center on Feb. 21, 2016.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiReferee Derrick Stafford tries to separate Taj Gibson from the Cavaliers' Matthew Dellavedova during a playoff game.
Chris Szagola / APTaj Gibson looks on from the bench while biting his towel during the first half against the 76ers on Nov. 25, 2016.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson dunks against the Wizards during the second half at the United Center on Nov 12, 2016.
Chuck Burton / APTaj Gibson dunks over the Hornets' Cody Zeller during the second half.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson cheers his teammates from the bench during a playoff game against the Nets.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiTaj Gibson and the Knicks' Joakim Noah battle for a rebound in the second half at the United Center on Nov. 4, 2016.
Maddie Meyer / Getty ImagesTaj Gibson disputes a call during the third quarter against the Celtics at TD Garden on Nov. 2, 2016.
Gary Middendorf / Daily SouthtownPercy Simms gets lifted up by Benny the Bull and Taj Gibson during their visit to Advocate Children's Hospital in Oak Forest.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson hangs on to a loose ball in front of Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha and Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap during the first half at the United Center on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiTaj Gibson throws a towel over his back after fouling out in the 4th quarter against the Nets in Game 6.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson holds a bag of ice on his head during the third quarter against the Clippers.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson tries to break away from the Suns' Mirza Teletovic during the first half.
Nam Y. Huh / APTaj Gibson guards Utah's Derrick Favors during the first half on March 19, 2016.
John Bazemore / APTaj Gibson goes up for a shot against the Hawks' Tiago Splitter in the first half.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson reacts to a call during a playoff game against the Cavaliers.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson grimaces after making a basket late in the second half against the Kings.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiTaj Gibson dunks on the Grizzlies' Darrell Arthur at the United Center.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiTaj Gibson passes the ball against the Wizards at the United Center.
KEVIN SULLIVAN / McClatchy-TribuneSouthern California's Taj Gibson is pumped after hitting a first half shot during a 2009 game.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiTaj Gibson cheers from the bench in the second half against the Knicks at the United Center.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson defends the basket against the Magic's Shabazz Napier during the second half.
LM Otero / APTaj Gibson drives against Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith as Deron Williams looks on during the first half in Dallas on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiTaj Gibson reacts after foul was called on him in the second half at the United Center.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiTaj Gibson arrives to attend the Bulls' season ending team meeting at the Advocate Center.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson gets pumped after a basket by Jimmy Butler against the Hornets late in the 2nd half at the United Center on Jan. 2, 2017.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson tries to get in the way of a shot by the Rockets' during the final seconds of their game at the United Center on March 5, 2016.
Alyssa Pointer / baiduhaiTaj Gibson signs autographs before the preseason game against the Hornets at the United Center on Monday, Oct. 17, 2016.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiTaj Gibson winces in pain after suffering an injury in the second half of a playoff game.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiTaj Gibson has a laugh during a break in the action.
Nick Swedberg / Daily SouthtownTaj Gibson and Benny the Bull pose with patients at Advocate Children's Hospital in Oak Lawn.
Scott Strazzante / baiduhaiTaj Gibson complains that he was fouled in final seconds of 78-74 loss to the Bucks at the United Center.
Nam Y. Huh / APTaj Gibson controls the ball against the Pacers' Lavoy Allen during the first half.
Matt Marton / APTaj Gibson reacts after being called on a foul against the Nets' Rondae Hollis-Jefferson during the second half on Dec. 28, 2016.
Duane Burleson / APTaj Gibson takes a shot against the Pistons during the second half.
David Zalubowski / APTaj Gibson goes up for a basket over the Nuggets' Kenneth Faried in the first half on Nov. 22, 2016.
Tony Dejak / APTaj Gibson tries to hold onto the ball against the Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving in the first half.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson loses the ball under the basket, courtesy of the Kings' Jason Thompson.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson and the Cavaliers' Tristan Thompson battle for a rebound during their playoff game.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson holds his head during the final seconds of his team's loss to the Atlanta Hawks at the United Center on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson hangs on the rim after dunking over the Hawks' Anthony Tolliver.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson dunks against the Hawks during the first half of a playoff game.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiTaj Gibson reacts after a foul was called on him in the second half of a preseason game.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson dunks over the Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo during the second half.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiTaj Gibson reacts after a strong play in the first half of a game against the Timberwolves at the United Center on Dec. 13, 2016.
Scott Strazzante / baiduhaiTaj Gibson is introduced before season opener against the Knicks at the United Center.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiTaj Gibson looks to score in the first half at the United Center.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiTaj Gibson steals a pass intended for the Pacers' George Hill during overtime at the United Center.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiTaj Gibson dunks on the Nets' Kris Humphries during Game 3.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson reacts after being called for an offensive foul against the Rockets.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiTaj Gibson warms up before a game against the Timberwolves at the United Center.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson reacts after being called on a foul during a March 7, 2016, game at the United Center.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson makes sure that the Heat's Chris Andersen is well guarded during the second half of a playoff game.
Maddie Meyer / Getty ImagesThe Celtics' Kelly Olynyk drives against Taj Gibson during the second quarter at TD Garden.
Alyssa Pointer / baiduhaiTaj Gibson dives for the rebound during the second half against the Hornets at the United Center on Oct. 17, 2016.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiPau Gasol with Taj Gibson after a basket by Gibson against the Bucks.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiTaj Gibson chases after the ball during the first half of the preseason opener against the Bucks at the United Center on Monday, Oct. 3, 2016.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiTaj Gibson yells after making a basket during a playoff game against the Wizards.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson reacts after a basket by teammate Dwyane Wade against the Kings during the second half at the United Center on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson heads for the locker room after being ejected from a playoff game against the Cavaliers.
Scott Strazzante / baiduhaiTaj Gibson and Carlos Boozer celebrate Gibson's game-winning basket during 102-100 overtime win over the Lakers.
Charles Rex Arbogast / APTaj Gibson walks in the background of a portrait session for Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose at Bulls media day.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson hangs on the rim after his dunk against the Heat during the first half.
David Banks / APTaj Gibson is fouled while going to the basket against the Miami Heat during the second half in Chicago on Friday, Jan. 27, 2017.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiTaj Gibson takes off his shirt before the first half of the Bulls' preseason opener against the Milwaukee Bucks at the United Center on Monday, Oct. 3, 2016.
Nam Y. Huh / APTaj Gibson rebounds the ball against the Mavericks' Zaza Pachulia during the first half.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson reacts after a call against him during a game against the Mavericks.
Nati Harnik / APTaj Gibson reacts after scoring against the Mavericks during the second half of a preseason game in Lincoln, Neb.
Phil Velasquez / baiduhaiTaj Gibson talks after the trade of teammate Luol Deng.
Scott Strazzante / baiduhaiTaj Gibson reacts to being called for a foul as the Cavaliers' Anderson Varejao stands by.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson hangs on the rim after a dunk and a steal against the Kings on March 21, 2016.
Michael Reaves / Getty ImagesTaj Gibson reacts after being called for a foul against the Nets on Oct. 31, 2016.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson during the second half against the Raptors at the United Center on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017.
Mark J. Terrill / APTaj Gibson dunks during the first half against the Lakers on Jan. 28, 2016.
Terrence Antonio James / baiduhaiTaj Gibson glances at the scoreboard in the fourth quarter as the Bulls offense stalls against the Heat in a 118-96 loss on March 11, 2016.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiBucks forward Jabari Parker knocks the ball out of Taj Gibson's hands during the first half Monday, Oct. 3, 2016, at the United Center.
Brian Nguyen / baiduhaiTaj Gibson poses for a portrait at Bulls media day.
Layne Murdoch / NBAE/Getty ImagesTaj Gibson shoots against the Pelicans.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiTaj Gibson fouls the Cavaliers' Tristan Thompson during Game 6 of the second round of the playoffs.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiTaj Gibson dunks the ball over the Thunder's Nick Collison during the second half.
Charles Rex Arbogast / APPau Gasol, Taj Gibson and Joakim Noah joke during Bulls media day.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson grabs a rebound, during the first half against the Suns.
Brian Cassella / baiduhaiTaj Gibson laughs during Bulls media day at the Advocate Center.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiMarco Belinelli, Taj Gibson and Nate Robinson celebrate after Belinelli's game-winning basket against the Nets.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson during a March 5, 2016, game at the United Center.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiTaj Gibson reacts after a dunk at the United Center.
Brian Cassella / baiduhaiTaj Gibson is tied up for a loose ball by the Cavaliers' Luke Harangody and Dion Waiters during a preseason game.
Eric Gay / Associated PressTaj Gibson confers with the Bulls mascot on the bench during the first half of the Rookie Challenge at All-Star Weekend.
Jonathan Daniel / Getty ImagesTaj Gibson puts up a shot against the Knicks' Kristaps Porzingis at the United Center on March 23, 2016.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson is looked after by Bulls head athletic trainer Jeff Tanaka during the second half of their loss to the Hawks on Feb. 10, 2016.
Jos M. Osorio / baiduhaiTaj Gibson and Joakim Noah pose for a photograph at Bulls Media Day.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiTaj Gibson loses the ball during the second half against the Cavaliers in Game 3.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiTaj Gibson pauses for a moment before the start of the fourth quarter against the Nets in Game 7.
Nati Harnik / APThe Mavericks' Zaza Pachulia, Samuel Dalembert and Taj Gibson compete for the ball during the second half of a preseason game in Lincoln, Neb.
Tony Dejak / APTaj Gibson drives against the Cavaliers' Tristan Thompson in the first half on Jan. 4, 2017.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiTaj Gibson and the Pacers' Luis Scola during the first half at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
By Phil Thompson | [email protected] | baiduhai
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
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If you’re looking for a quick verdict from Bulls fans on the team’s trade with the Thunder, look no further than this: Within minutes of the deal, the hashtag “#FireGarPax” led trending topics on Twitter for the Chicago market.
“FireGarPax” refers to Bulls personnel gurus Gar Forman and John Paxson, the architects of the the trade that sent fan favorite Taj Gibson, former first-round draft pick Doug McDermott and a 2018 second-round draft pick to Oklahoma City on Thursday for Cameron Payne, Joffrey Lauvergne and Anthony Morrow.
The general consensus among fans has been the Bulls dealt Gibson, the heart of the locker room, and other key pieces for three no-names.
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Barstool Sports’ Dan “Big Cat” Katz tweeted an image of a “Fire Gar/Pax” T-shirt sold on the company’s site with the caption, “BUY BUY BUY.” “I hate you @chicagobulls” Katz also tweeted. And also: “I love Taj but he could’ve been dealt any time the last 2 years for more.”
Several fans on the Bulls Reddit community had already planned to wear a different version of a “Fire GarPax” shirt at the Bulls’ nationally televised game against the Clippers on March 4. “#FireGarPax. Movement just got 10 feet taller,” shirt designer alba7or posted on Reddit Thursday.
Daniel Greenberg of @ChiSportUpdates created a fan petition on petitionbuzz.com calling for Forman’s and Paxson’s ouster.
http://embed.sendtonews.com/player2/embedcode.php?fk=AFi9PEcr&cid=4591
“Bulls fans it’s time to stand up and let our voices be heard,” he wrote. “We deserve better. The Bulls front office is ridiculous. Things need to change. We need to stand up for what we believe in. Please sign the petition to help try to make a difference with the Chicago Bulls. Sign it to let the Bulls organization know that we have had enough. We are not happy with the way Gar Forman and John Paxson are running the Chicago Bulls.”
“It’s an absolute shame and embarrassment that these two still have their jobs. Unbelievable,” the Chicago sports blogger later tweeted.
Twitter @_phil_thompson
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