The Chicago Bulls are in the midst of a mini-hot streak of late after last night’s 119-111 win against the sizzling Miami Heat. While the Bulls have won three in a row and four of their last six games, forward Nikola Mirotic’s name remains in trade conversations around the league.
Mirotic, however, is not addressing that chatter and instead is funneling all trade talk through his representatives. Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times has more on Mirotic and what’s next for him trade-wise:
Yes, Mirotic remains a likely candidate to be traded after he became eligible to be dealt Monday, but that doesn’t mean the Bulls’ front office is planning to give him away to the first team that calls. A source indicated the Bulls will continue to be patient with the process, making sure they leave potential buyers ample time to get into the mix or to raise their offers as the Bulls look for the best possible return for Mirotic.
Mirotic, who must waive a no-trade clause in his contract to be dealt, said he’s leaving it all in the hands of his representatives.
“I didn’t talk to [the Bulls’ front office recently],” he 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.”
Coach Fred Hoiberg praised Mirotic for his attitude as trade talk swirls around him.
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Center Robin Lopez and guard Justin Holiday also could have a change of address sooner than later if the right offers come in.
Additionally, K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reports that Mirotic remains interested in a potential trade to the Utah Jazz. However, the Bulls don’t seem to be too impressed with what Utah is offering in potential deals:
Multiple sources said, of the rumored trade partners, Mirotic remains most intrigued by playing for Jazz coach Quin Snyder. The forward has the ability to reject a trade unless the Bulls exercise the team option for the second season of his two-year deal.
To this point, offers from the Jazz have been underwhelming. So the Bulls, whom sources said seek a first-round pick, remain content to wait to see what offers develop between now and the Feb. 8 trade deadline.
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“Niko has been awesome throughout this process,” coach Fred Hoiberg said. “And it’s not easy when your name is getting thrown out there as much his is. You have to prepare, worry about what you can control and giving great effort. I give Niko a lot of credit for doing that.”
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