Blake Griffin being dealt to the Detroit Pistons officially kicked off the NBA’s trade season as we approach the Feb. 8 deadline and a day later we have another major trade in the Association.
Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic has long been on the trade block and his move by the deadline was expected, so when word came out of Chicago that he was quickly pulled out of practice on Tuesday, sirens went off for many. As it turned out, that was indeed a signal that a trade was coming as NBC Sports Chicago’s Vincent Goodwill reported Mirotic will be heading to New Orleans in exchange for Omer Asik and a first round pick.
Hearing Nikola Mirotic will be dealt to New Orleans Pelicans for Omer Asik and first round draft pick, sources tell @NBCSChicago
— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) January 30, 2018
The move makes sense for both sides, as New Orleans was desperate for some frontcourt help in the absence of DeMarcus Cousins, and Mirotic’s shooting ability figures to fit well next to Anthony Davis on the offensive end. They’ve also long been looking to move Asik’s contract, and the Bulls have plenty of cap space to eat that deal in exchange for a future asset in the first round pick.
However, there’s reason to wonder if the Bulls sold too low on Mirotic, who is having an incredible season to this point. This deal feels like something of a steal for the Pelicans, who have legitimate playoff hopes and needed to add a piece in light of the Boogie injury and to get a player like Mirotic for essentially a first-round pick while also getting out from under Asik’s horrific deal (that still owes him over $11 million in 2018-19 and $3 million guaranteed in 2019-20) is a huge win.
Mirotic also has a team option for next season, which if he opts in gives the Pelicans some more firepower and if he opts out it sheds some significant cap space for them. Chicago has the cap space to take on a contract like Asik, but if this is indeed all that New Orleans is sending in return, one would think the Bulls could’ve done better for Mirotic. We’ll have to wait and see if more pieces are involved in this deal as we wait on more details.
Update: The deal that was almost done has apparently fallen apart, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
New Orleans and Chicago had a deal for Nikola Mirotic, but it's fallen apart for now, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 30, 2018
Chicago and New Orleans don't need Mirotic's permission to make trade should his $12.5M team option in 2018-19 get guaranteed with a trade. Without that salary guaranteed prior to finalizing trade, teams need Mirotic to agree. Otherwise, Mirotic likely becomes a rental for Pels.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 30, 2018
Essentially, Mirotic has control over his future with a trade. He can't be sure that New Orleans will pick up his $12.5M option next season — unless Chicago does it for him prior to completing the trade. It is understandable why Mirotic isn't eager to cost himself that $12.5M.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 30, 2018
For the deal to go down without being cleared by Mirotic his deal for next season must become guaranteed, and for now that hasn’t been done and so Mirotic remains in Chicago and Asik remains with the Pelicans. The deal isn’t dead, but there are apparently more hurdles to clear regarding Mirotic signing off (or getting his deal guaranteed) and other pieces getting added to the deal.
Told Pels-Bulls potential Asik-Mirotic deal could involve another player from Pels if it happens. Mirotic’s option hasn’t been picked up yet so he has say for now.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 30, 2018
We’ll keep you updated on this drama as the trade winds swirl.
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