The Bulls are going to trade Nikola Mirotic. He wants to be traded, and for the rebuilding Bulls he is not part of the long-term future so it’s wise to trade him now and get the most for him. If you’re going to bet on one guy to get traded before the Feb. 8 deadline, it should be Mirotic.
The question is where?
There is mutual interest between the Jazz and Mirotic — picture him in a pick-and-pop with Donovan Mitchel — but now reports of a second team come in from Marc Stein of The New York Times and K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.
The Pistons have joined Utah in expressing trade interest for Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic, according to league sources
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 9, 2018
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
As previously reported, the emergence of Markkanen, plus Mirotic eyeing big payday in 2020 free agency at time LaVine, Dunn on or due big deals, paint Bulls as motivated sellers.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 9, 2018
Not all first-round picks are created equal — the Jazz and Pistons will want protections on any pick they send to the Bulls. What those protections are and how they evolve over time if not met the first year is the part to be negotiated. Other teams likely will get serious about Mirotic as well.
One little housekeeping note for people who love cap details.
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
