Taj Gibson isn’t going anywhere.
The beloved long-time Chicago Bulls forward has officially signed a two-year deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, ensuring he will suit up for his 17th NBA season. The 40-year-old veteran is now headed to his eighth franchise, joining Memphis after stints with the Bulls (where he spent more than seven memorable seasons), Thunder, Timberwolves, Knicks, Wizards, Pistons, and Hornets.
Gibson entered the 2025-26 season without a home after spending the 2024-25 campaign in Charlotte. He appeared in 37 games for the Hornets, averaging 11.1 minutes per night. While his role has naturally shrunk over time, his value as one of the league’s most respected locker-room leaders and veteran voices has never wavered. Rebuilding teams have repeatedly turned to Gibson for exactly that steady presence, and now the Grizzlies are doing the same as they undergo a major roster reset.
Memphis shocked the NBA by trading former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. at this year’s trade deadline, and uncertainty continues to swirl around the future of Ja Morant. With significant changes underway in Tennessee, Gibson’s veteran leadership arrives at the perfect time.
This new chapter marks Gibson’s 17th season in the NBA. If he steps on the floor in the final stretch of the regular season, he will become just the 35th player in league history to appear in a game at age 40, per ESPN. He will also join an elite group as only the 18th active player to reach 1,000 career games. Gibson currently sits at 1,002 contests, tying him for 158th on the NBA’s all-time list.
Don’t count him out on the court just yet. Last season, Gibson showed he can still deliver in limited minutes. On February 12, 2025, he posted a double-double against Orlando in just 21 minutes of action. He also closed the year by appearing in six straight games off the bench for Charlotte.
Chicago fans got a beautiful reminder of what Gibson means to the city during one of those late-season contests at the United Center. With the Bulls leading comfortably, the crowd began chanting his name. Head coach Charles Lee answered the call, sending Gibson back onto the floor to a thunderous ovation—an emotional full-circle moment for a player who gave so much to the Bulls for years.
Gibson will have two more chances to soak in that love this season. The Grizzlies and Bulls will face off twice in the final 22 games of the regular season, with Memphis visiting the United Center on March 16 before the Bulls head south to Tennessee shortly after.
From the Windy City to Memphis, one thing is clear: Taj Gibson’s NBA journey continues, and Chicago will always have a special place in his story.
Welcome back to the league, Taj. The league’s ultimate pro is far from finished.