Well, that was fast (and disappointing). Just minutes after NBC Sports Chicago Bulls beat writer Vincent Goodwill, who’s usually very reliable, reported Mirotic had been traded to New Orleans, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that while an initial agreement was in place the deal has temporarily fallen through.
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
‘Woj’ is the undisputed king of NBA breaking news, so for now Nikola Mirotic is still a Bull. He had more to add on what needs to be done in order for the trade to become official.
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
However, it’s not as simple as Mirotic waiving his no-trade clause, something I think he is likely to do whether or not the Bulls pick up next year’s option.
The Mirotic/Asik deal straight up would not have worked because of the hard cap situation in New Orleans. The Pelicans are $1.2M below the hard cap. Mirotic has a salary of $12.5M and Asik $10.6M. Both players have $1M in unlikely bonuses.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) January 30, 2018
So, with New Orleans needing to account for Mirotic’s potential bonuses, they need to shed an additional $1.7 million in salary in order to take on his contract. The simple solution would be for the Bulls to take on an additional expiring contract from the Pelicans to complete the deal.
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
Bulls, Pelicans still in advanced discussions on Mirotic trade. Nothing finalized.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 30, 2018
So, while the ‘Woj bomb’ initially inspired panic and disappointment, it sounds like the Bulls will indeed be sending Mirotic to New Orleans at the end of the day for a first-round pick, Omer Asik and another player.
