NBA: Media: Bulls trades Mirotic to New Orleans

The Chicago Bulls traded Nikola Mirotic to the New Orleans Pelicans according to media reports. The Spaniard is said to fill the gap of DeMarcus Cousins, who had torn his Achilles tendon. In return, Ömer Asik, Tony Allen and Jameer Nelson will switch to Windy City.

This was reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. In addition to Asik, Nelson and Allen, the Pelicans also give up their first round pick of 2018. This is initially protected from position 1 to 5,2019 from 1 to 8, before losing all protection in 2020. In return, the Pelicans will receive a second round pick for the year 2018. However, the Bulls can exchange the Second Round Pick in 2021 if necessary.

The deal was only possible when the Pelicans made it possible to guarantee Mirotic’s salary for the coming season (12.5 million dollars). If they hadn’t, Mirotic would have vetoed the trade because he would have lost his bird rights.

The Pelicans will also be rid of Asik’s treaty, which still has at least 24.7 million until 2020. Under coach Alvin Gentry, the Turk was only used sporadically. Since the pels send three players to Chicago at once, New Orleans now even has a roster spot free. According to some rumors, this one could go to Greg Monroe, who was recently dismissed from the Phoenix Suns.

The Bulls, on the other hand, are likely to release Allen waiven and Quincy Pondexter. With Nelson, on the other hand, the Bulls seem to be planning further.

Mirotic didn’t sign a two-year contract in Chicago until August. The Spaniard has hung up 16.8 points and 6.4 rebounds after missing the first 23 games of the season. The injury was caused by a fight in training with Bobby Portis. Mirotic suffered a facial fracture and a concussion.

Pelicans preserved: Nikola Mirotic, second round pick 2018

Bulls received: Ömer Asik, Tony Allen, Jameer Nelson Erstrundenpick 2018 (protected)