CHICAGO – Taj Gibson was uncertain a deal would happen as the deadline drew near.

Resigned and disappointed as he dressed before the Bulls’ season opener at the United Center on Wednesday against the Sacramento Kings, Gibson believed he was set to become a restricted free agent next summer.

However, Gibson’s agent Mark Bartelstein negotiated with Bulls general manager Gar Forman throughout the game – a 93-87 Bulls win – trying to hammer out a deal before Wednesday’s 11 p.m. deadline to sign potential restricted free agents.