The Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Pelicans had a trade centered around Nikola Mirotic in place, but the teams’ agreement has fallen apart, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
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
It was originally reported that the deal was set, but the two sides were unable to reach an agreement due in part to the no-trade clause in Nikola Mirotic’s contract. Mirotic appears willing to waive the clause, but only if the Bulls choose to pick up the 2018-19 team option in his contract.
Nevertheless, the Bulls and Pelicans remain in advanced discussions on a deal, according to the Chicago Tribune. New Orleans could add another player in the trade as well.
Bulls, Pelicans still in advanced discussions on Mirotic trade. Nothing finalized.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) 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
(2/1/17) UPDATE: After two days, and a benching from the team, the Bulls have finally agreed to send Mirotic to the Pelicans after New Orleans decided to pick up his contract for next season.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN has the details.
The New Orleans Pelicans reached an agreement to acquire Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic, league sources told ESPN.
The Pelicans were able to complete the deal once they decided to guarantee the $12.5 million team option on Mirotic’s contract next season, which allowed the Bulls to complete the trade without Mirotic’s permission, league sources said.
The Pelicans are sending a 2018 protected first-round pick, center Omer Asik and guards Tony Allen and Jameer Nelson to the Bulls, league sources said.
The Pelicans had to attach a first-round pick to unload the salary of Asik, who is owed $10.5 million this season, $11.2 million in 2018-19 and $3 million in guaranteed money in 2019-20. The Pelicans’ first-round pick on its way to the Bulls is a protected top-5 selection in 2018, top-8 in 2019 and unprotected in 2020, league sources said.
The Bulls will also send a 2018 second-round pick — acquired via New Orleans in a trade for Quincy Pondexter — and will have the right to swap second-round picks with the Pelicans in the 2021 draft, league sources said.
