There have been indications that Bulls forwards Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis may not be able to co-exist when the former returns to the court following his injury, reports K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune. There is now a sense that Mirotic is becoming more open to a trade, with one source suggesting that the situation may be heading toward a “me or him” ultimatum.
Johnson notes that Mirotic, signed to a two-year $27MM contract with trade veto rights during the first season, would now consider waiving that veto if the Bulls were to find a trade partner. Per CBA rules, however, Mirotic can not be traded whatsoever until January 15.
As we wrote last week, a punch from Portis in one of the team’s final practices before the regular season began has rendered Mirotic sidelined for four to six weeks. The 26-year-old suffered a concussion and fractured facial bones as a result of the altercation.
When healthy and utilized heavily, Mirotic can be a solid NBA asset, so his trade value could be intriguing despite the lofty price point. In fact, were it not for the tension that could potentially loom between he and Portis, it could be assumed that Mirotic would slot in alongside players like Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen as possible core pieces for future.
Alas, one can’t blame Mirotic for at least being open to an opportunity elsewhere considering the substantial consequences of the incident.
Dude, man up. You’re not the first to get sucker-punched by a teammate. You wanted to stay with Chicago, you’re the senior player and you’re the better player. Pressure the Bulls into moving Portis. Not like it’ll matter this year; Bulls are easily the worst team in the league.
He wants to leave because the bulls are an awful team. He’s using Portis as a scapegoat
Mirotic is not necessarily the better player. He is one dimensional, plays no defense and in general is soft. Portis hustles, plays hard and is a tough minded player. I’d rather have that on my squad.
What are you even talking about?
Every team would rather have the 3 point shooter. Yes, it’s all he can do. But shooting is the most important skill in today’s NBA.
That said, he’s not good enough to demand the team trades Portis. In fact, the team would probably be better off moving forward dealing Mirotic because he’d likely bring back a draft pick from a contender. Portis wouldn’t bring back anything.
If bulls eat money they could get something for him
This is likely because Mirotic started the scuffle, as many have reported and Chicago says they won’t part with Portis because the player who is supposed to be more mature can’t help starting fights with kids.
Not likely at all.
The 8 game suspension seemed like a slap on the wrist. I fully expected the Bulls to simply cut Portis. The light punishment makes me believe Mirotic provoked this incident. But the reason they won’t trade Portis has nothing to do with the incident. It has to do with the fact that the guy has zero trade value.
If the reports are true in that Mirotic started the altercation, then it would be wise to move on from him. Plus it seems like the team likes Portis’ youth for their rebuild. The Bulls might not get much in return for Mirotic but they don’t have to worry now because they can’t trade him until January. Guess no one taught Mirotic to stick and move, and to keep his guard up. Lol
The Portis suspension should be set back until Mirotic returns to reduce the awkwardness and tension. Let Portis return when Mirotic is already there. Plus, the Bulls need Portis now with all their injuries.
Indeed letting Mirotic determine the length will take some edge off of him. The edge going on now is not the right edge.
And forced trades have not been going well in the NBA recently.
Dallas go get him!
If i was team owner I would send Portia packing. The nba needs to make an example and ban him from playing. If they let him stay on team I never will watch them play. I hope Mirotic gets the chance to be traded.