How much longer will Nikola Mirotic remain on the Bulls? It sounds as if the team is in no rush to deal the power forward, with a source telling Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun Times that the organization will continue to be patient with the trade market, leaving “ample time” for potential buyers to make offers.
The Jazz, Pistons, and Blazers have been linked to Mirotic, with Utah appearing to be the most serious suitor. The two teams discussed a Mirotic-Derrick Favors swap, though it’s unclear if Utah is willing to offer any additional compensation in the swap. Chicago’s front office has “made it clear” that it desires a first-round pick in exchange for the 26-year-old.
It was previously reported that Mirotic, who’s now eligible to be dealt, may like the idea of playing for the Jazz. He has the ability to veto any trade, though he claims he’s not getting involved in trade discussions at this time.
“I didn’t talk to [the Bulls’ front office recently],” Mirotic said. “Probably my agents are talking, so I don’t know so far what’s going on, but I know my name is going to be out there. I’m doing my job, and I’m sure they’re doing their job, and we’re both going to do what’s best for the team.”
The Bulls have thrived since Mirotic returned to the lineup, going 14-5 in the games he has played. The power forward is averaging 17.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game while shooting 45.0% from downtown this season.
I’ve read the Pistons are willing to include Stanley Johnson in a deal.
No thanks.
no thanks for who? cuz i like that for the bulls
While Mirotic currently does have the right to veto any trade, the Bulls have an easy workaround in place… If they pick up his team option for next year, he loses his no trade clause. Problem solved.
Mirotic loses value at that point as he would then be locked in for another year at $12.5m. The fact that he has a team option makes him more valuable as an acquiring team could choose to let him go if he plays bad/they want to clear cap space or pick up his option if he plays well. This might not matter anyway as he might veto any trade if the acquiring team doesn’t agree to pick up his option (or not pick it up if he thinks he can make more on the open market).
He doesn’t lose value at that point unless he plays unbelievably bad to end the year. $12.5m is not even close to a lot of money in today’s NBA. That’d just barely sneak him into the top 100 paid players this year. There are many, many worse players making more money right now.
Not to mention, if he continues to play like he has this year, $12.5m is an absolute steal next year.
No idea what you are talking about, Priggs.
Huh??
Nobody wants to give up a first round pick because of his past.
Whoever offers the highest orentism first rounder is where he’s going. They don’t care who they take back. Tank year. Potential top 4 and another top 20 to possibly move up for Bagley, Ayton or Porter would be nice.
Doncic, Bagley, and Ayton will be untradeable. Bagley and Ayton are best centers in years. Doncic is same height as Lonzo. He can do everything Lonzo does, but can shoot and play 3 positions.
Mirotic will probably stay with Bulls because he is playing well and no one will give them a first rounder based on what he’s done since he came back from the fight.
Bagley’s better than KAT?
People seem to think every draft pick lands a Doncic. I read there’s a dropoff at about 3 and 8. To be realistic a team at 20 is not likely to get an equal to Mirotic! He will be going somewhere, once a team knows they’re not going to collapse at the end.
I think you’re right. I think typically anybody drafted after 10 with 1 or 2 exceptions will be a fringe rotational player and not expected to help.
After 3 you are hoping they can help.
*highest potential first rounder
His numbers now are better than towns at Kentucky.
Towns was on a team that had more depth than any team in decades. Bagley is averaging nearly 12 more minutes a game, and taking more than twice as many shots. Tough to judge on stats alone.
I think he is staying with the bulls. Will be no trade.
Not so! Kentucky and Duke both get one and dones. Towns was a McDonalds All-American from California. Everybody knows Calipari likes to either drive or feed the ball inside on every play. He isn’t a perimter coach. Bagley and Towns are the same athletic wise. Bagley is a little taller and longer. Look at Towns stats his first season at Minnesota. Bagley will be an impact player. He was the top player in the junior class, reclassified,and was the best in the senior class. Coach K has said he’s the best center he’s had. that says something.