Chicago Bulls report: Nikola Mirotic open to being traded
Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic is reportedly open to being traded following a physical altercation with teammate Bobby Portis.
The Chicago Bulls came into the 2017-18 campaign knowing there would be some growing pains with a roster comprised of mostly young players. They also knew the chances of being a playoff team in just the first year of their much-talked-about rebuild were between slim and none.
To go a step further, the Bulls also expected the overall atmosphere among the younger players to be a competitive one, with each of them trying to prove they belong. What the Bulls were not expecting, however, was the altercation that took place between Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis two days before the team played its first game of the season.
The result of the exchange cost the Bulls two of their rotational players who were vying for minutes at the power forward position. Bobby Portis was suspended eight games for landing a punch that broke multiple bones in Mirotic’s face.
Meanwhile, Mirotic has to clear the league’s concussion protocol first and will be out of the mix anywhere between 4-6 weeks.
Just a few days ago, the Chicago Tribune’s K.C. Johnson reported that Mirotic’s camp advised the fourth-year forward wanted to remain in Chicago. Based on this sentiment, it appeared the passage of time would be the only obstacle standing in the way of the two teammates being able to put their differences aside and find a way to co-exist in the same locker room, right?
Wrong.
Chicago Bulls
According to NBC Sports Chicago’s Vincent Goodwill, Mirotic’s camp has informed the Bulls that he would be open to a trade, and to be honest, it is not all that surprising for a couple of reasons.
First of all, Mirotic was hoping to have a breakout year for the Bulls following an offseason in which he added 30 pounds of muscle to his frame, which won’t happen now. Also, while he’s been out of the lineup, rookie Lauri Markkanen is already showing potential through his first four games and there is no guarantee Mirotic would be re-inserted into the starting lineup upon his return.
What does this mean for the Bulls?
Well, first of all, they have to decide if they want to pick up for the fourth-year option of Portis’ contract for 2018-19. In doing so, they are basically indicating they value Portis over Mirotic, even if they don’t come right out and say it.
Secondly, if they do decide to trade Mirotic (which would not be possible until January), what would they get in return? After all, they attempted to shop him prior to last year’s trade deadline, but without success.
This scenario could more than likely play out that way again, considering Mirotic will be out for at least another month. Bearing this in mind, there’s a good chance Mirotic will not have played in a lot of games by the time January rolls around, which means his stock may not be very high in the eyes of other teams.
Next: 2017-18 Week 2 NBA Power Rankings
However the situation plays out, though, it is very unfortunate that a totally preventable incident will lead to one of these players no longer being a part of the team’s long-term future.