The Bulls are in the process of determining who is a part of their long-term future. Omer Asik may or may not be, depending on their decision regarding the Houston Rockets' considerable offer. John Lucas III is not part of the future, nor is C.J. Watson. Rip Hamilton is rumored to be on the block. 

But according to CSN Chicago, forward Taj Gibson is expected to be a part of the future for the Bulls. 

Moving forward, expect the Bulls to engage in long-term contract negotiations with backup power forward Taj Gibson after filling out their roster in free agency.

Gibson, who will be a free agent following next season, is highly coveted around the league, but the Bulls believe he fits into their future plans, so in the fashion of Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, there is hope that a deal can be reached prior to the beginning of the regular season.

via Veteran forward Radmanovic to sign with Bulls.

Gibson has risen from unheralded draft pick to hard-nosed contributor. He was part of the bench mob in Chicago the past two seasons and paired particularly well with Omer Asik. But with Asik gone, there will be questions if he can hold the bench up with defense. 

He's also likely to draw big money due to his consistenty and production. The Bulls already have big long-term money locked up to Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, and Carlos Boozer. Can they afford another gig contract to Gibson and improve the team at all? It's questions like this that make it hard to see what lies ahead for the Bulls.