The Nikola Mirotic saga in Chicago is taking what could perhaps be its last turn as the NBA’s trade deadline grows near. While the season started off with a fight and has grown into a bit of a feel-good story with Mirotic seeming to get along with and even possibly enjoy Bobby Portis’ presence on the court, it has always been likely Mirotic gets traded as Chicago’s rebuild continues.
On Monday the Utah Jazz emerged as a rumored trade destination for the Bulls big, and on Tuesday another team cropped up in the rumor mill. That’s enough to turn this into a veritable trade sweepstakes, which is good news for Chicago, who would love to make the best out of what was an odd situation to start the season.
The latest team to give Chicago something to think about are the Detroit Pistons, who Marc Stein of the New York Times reported are in definitely interested in Mirotic, who still wants out of Chicago.
https://twitter.com/TheSteinLine/status/950789110809202688
It now seems very likely that the talk about trading Mirotic is very real, it just now depends on what Chicago can get in return.
The prospect of Mirotic being moved before the Feb. 8 trade deadline looks increasingly likely, league sources say, with a deal potentially hinging on the level of draft compensation Chicago gets
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 9, 2018
K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune confirmed the report and noted that the Blazers are another team that could get in the mix along with the Jazz and Pistons, but the key will be what team will part ways with a first round pick.
Can confirm Pistons have shown preliminary interest in Mirotic, per source. @TheSteinLine 1st. Also told Portland could join mix with Jazz and Pistons. Bulls motivated to get 1st round pick for Niko.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 9, 2018
Whether Chicago gets what it wants out or Mirotic is tough to say right now, but the more interest in him the better. Mirotic, for now, must approve any deal, but if the Bulls pick up his option for next season they can bypass his permission.
Important to note: If the Bulls pick up their team option on Nikola Mirotic for next season before trading him, Mirotic would lose his current veto power over a trade as because his current contract would become a two-year deal.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 9, 2018
The Bulls would certainly need the other team to be on board for Mirotic’s option being picked up, but considering the other team would likely need to be committed to them long-term to give up what the Bulls want it’s very possible this is the route they go down.
