The Chicago Bulls open the season on Wednesday when the Sacramento Kings make a trip to the United Center and Taj Gibson may start the season without the extension he desires. Negotiations are continuing but Gibson and the Bulls are reportedly about $8 million apart. The Bulls could be motivated to sign Gibson long-term to avoid their fourth-year forward from going into restricted free agency following this season.

Gibson played in 63 games for the Bulls last season without a start. He averaged 7.7 points and 5.2 rebounds while averaging 20.4 minutes on the floor. Gibson's best season was his rookie year when he played in all 82 regular season games, including 70 starts when he averaged nine points and 7.5 rebounds a game.

After the Bulls open the season against the Kings on Wednesday, they'll head east to face the Brooklyn Nets at the brand new Barclays Center, just a short distance from where Gibson grew up in Brooklyn.