Chicago Bulls trade Taj Gibson, Doug McDermott for Thunder's Payne, Morrow

The Chicago Bulls sent forwards Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott and a 2018 second-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder for guards Cameron Payne and Anthony Morrow and center-forward Joffrey Lauvergne, two people with direct knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports.

The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official.

The move bolsters a Thunder squad currently sitting in 7th in the West at 32-25. Gibson, who will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, is averaging 11.6 points and 7 rebounds per game, while McDermott is averaging just over 10 points on 37 percent shooting from the three-point line.

From the Bulls' perspective, Payne has a chance to find regular minutes in the backcourt alongside All-Star Jimmy Butler. The Bulls held onto Butler, whose name had circulated in trade rumors for weeks.