According to NBC Sports Chicago’s Vincent Goodwill, the Chicago Bulls have traded Nikola Mirotic to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Hearing Nikola Mirotic will be dealt to New Orleans Pelicans for Omer Asik and first round draft pick, sources tell @NBCSChicago
— Vincent Goodwill (@vgoodwill) January 30, 2018
The trade also nets the Bulls Omer Asik, who played with Chicago back in the Tom Thibodeau coaching days.
So, the Bulls ultimately got the first round pick they wanted and also get a little worse this year to improve their draft position. As of now, the Bulls have the sixth worst record in the NBA. Despite a good stretch in December and early January, the team has struggled as of late, losing five of six, including a 1-4 record without Kris Dunn.
🔥 Subscribe to the Untold Chicago YouTube channel to hear Chicago legends tell stories you’ve never seen in headlines — real moments, real experiences, straight from the athletes themselves.
So, doesn’t appear as though the Pelicans first round pick will have any restrictions and Asik has one more guaranteed year left on his contract after this season at $11.3 million. In 2019, the Bulls can buy out the center for $3 million.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
New Orleans and Chicago had a deal for Nikola Mirotic, but it's fallen apart for now, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 30, 2018
Chicago and New Orleans don't need Mirotic's permission to make trade should his $12.5M team option in 2018-19 get guaranteed with a trade. Without that salary guaranteed prior to finalizing trade, teams need Mirotic to agree. Otherwise, Mirotic likely becomes a rental for Pels.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 30, 2018
Essentially, Mirotic has control over his future with a trade. He can't be sure that New Orleans will pick up his $12.5M option next season — unless Chicago does it for him prior to completing the trade. It is understandable why Mirotic isn't eager to cost himself that $12.5M.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 30, 2018
Told Pels-Bulls potential Asik-Mirotic deal could involve another player from Pels if it happens. Mirotic’s option hasn’t been picked up yet so he has say for now.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 30, 2018
So, no deal yet. but it does look like it will happen?
Bulls, Pelicans still in advanced discussions on Mirotic trade. Nothing finalized.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 30, 2018
So, we’ll see.