Nick Friedell Believes Nikola Mirotic Is All But Gone

Speaking to Carmen & Jurko on ESPN 1000, Nick Friedell shed some light on the Nikola Mirotic trade rumors today, and to say the least, ESPN’s Bulls insider believes it’s just a matter of time until the power forward is moved.

“I think he’s gone. I’ve been told a few times even the last few days it’s a matter of when, not if…

I think Niko will be out of here at some point soon.”

With that being said, it’s obvious Friedell believes Niko is all but gone, however, what the Bulls get in return is still a huge lingering question mark.

When asked by Carmen DeFalco if the Bulls receive a first rounder for the sweet shooting power forward Friedell had this to say:

Carmen DeFalco: “do you think they’re getting a first round pick for [Niko]?”

Nick Friedell: “I didn’t see how that was possible… I’ve been told a couple times today that the Bulls are pretty confident that it’s going to come from somewhere… I think there’s enough interest where maybe they get one of those protected picks later in the first round.”

Niko’s Suitors

Teams that have shown reported interest in Mirotic include the Portland Trailblazers, Utah Jazz, and Detroit Pistons. Rumors have been gaining steam today that Utah is attempting to unload the expiring contract of Derrick Favors in return for Niko, however it is unclear whether Favors would come with a first round pick.

Bulls and Jazz have had trade discussions about swapping Nikola Mirotic for Derrick Favors, per @tribjazz https://t.co/6aLaeRmil6 pic.twitter.com/982nAVVlUO

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 10, 2018

Per Bleacher Report: According to Tony Jones of the Salt Lake Tribune, the Bulls have also inquired about getting a first-round pick and that talks are past the preliminary stage and “getting serious.”

Only time will tell exactly what happens in the coming days regarding the future of Nikola Mirotic in a Bulls uniform. One thing is for sure though, that time appears to be rapidly coming to a close.