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Chicago Bulls rumors: Teammates siding with Bobby Portis over Nikola Mirotic

By James D. Tillman III

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 6: Bobby Portis #5 and Denzel Valentine #45 of the Chicago Bulls with their teammates stand for the National Anthem before the preseason game against the Milwaukee Bucks on October 6, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 6: Bobby Portis #5 and Denzel Valentine #45 of the Chicago Bulls with their teammates stand for the National Anthem before the preseason game against the Milwaukee Bucks on October 6, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Chicago Bulls have already had their fair share of obstacles early on this season. Following an altercation between Bobby Portis and Nikola Mirotic, it is being reported that a few of the players have chosen sides.

Entering the first year of their rebuild, the Chicago Bulls were not expected to win many games this season. In fact, taking into consideration they have recorded just two victories through their first nine contests, they are on pace to win just 18 games.

What the team was not expecting was an altercation between two players who were viewed as long-term pieces of the team’s future — Bobby Portis and Nikola Mirotic. Following the heated exchange, it was reported that Mirotic’s camp informed the team that he is willing to waive his no-trade clause because he felt he could no longer coexist in the same locker room with Portis.

Fast forwarding to the present, Portis has returned to the lineup after serving an eight-game suspension, while Mirotic remains weeks away from being able to participate in any basketball-related activities. Portis built a case for himself in his season debut, scoring 21 points and pulling down 13 rebounds.

Not only that, but according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, it appears Portis has earned the backing of some of his teammates as well:

"“According to several players, the ultimatum issued by Nikola Mirotic — either Bobby Portis goes or he goes — carries no weight. If anything, it has solidified Portis’ standing with his teammates. One Bull even said, “This is Niko’s problem now.”"

If the report is accurate, this recent development raises a few interesting points. First of all, while Mirotic didn’t do himself any favors by issuing such an ultimatum on the heels of three inconsistent seasons, it is understandable why he would not want to mend fences with Portis at this point.

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So while Portis is willing to let bygones be bygones, he isn’t the one who will be out of action for the foreseeable future.

Secondly, in the eyes of some, it is quite possible the punishment handed out to Portis may have not fit the crime, considering he is back in the mix and Mirotic will not be able to return to the court for at least a month.

Last, but certainly not least, one of the factors the Bulls touted coming into this season was a positive culture. The new-look culture the front office spoke about was supposed to help ease the pain from the many losses they will endure this season.

"“We understand better than anyone what we’re about to embark on,” John Paxson told the Chicago Sun-Times. “And that’s why I keep saying the most important thing for us is the culture we have in this building. It’s very hard to define sometimes, but you know it when you see it’s positive. And it’s positive right now.’’"

In light of the recent developments, though, it is safe to say that what started out as a season in which everyone was supposed to be supportive of one another, has seemingly turned into a situation where teammates are taking sides.

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Needless to say, this isn’t a good look for an organization that is trying to re-establish itself as a desirable destination for future free agents.

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