Speculation suggests Bulls could use rights on Mirotic in trade deal.
The Chicago Bulls will reportedly begin talks over bringing Real Madrid star Nikola Mirotic to the NBA this summer, but it is unclear as to whether or not his future will be in the Windy City.
The Bulls have owned the rights to Mirotic since 2011 but have allowed him to remain in Spain in order to develop his skills and gain experience.
The Madrid forward led his team to the Euroleague Finals last weekend after averaging 12.4 points in 24 minutes per game, but was unable to help them avoid defeat to Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Nevertheless, it is understood that he has done enough to convince the Bulls to make a move for him this summer although it doesn’t necessarily mean he will remain in Chicago as the organisation could use him in a trade deal.
“We have built a relationship with him,” general manager Gar Forman said at last week’s NBA draft combine. “We feel confident he will come over at some point. Whether that’s this summer or next, we don’t know.”
It is worth noting that the Bulls have been linked with a move for either Carmelo Anthony or Kevin Love this summer, and ultimately that will effect their financial position in bringing Mirotic to the franchise.
While they could choose to bring in the Madrid star along with a more low-key free agent, they are continuing to leave their options open for now as it remains to be seen how Love’s situation in Minnesota develops.
Anthony had been reported as their primary target this summer, but to acquire the Knicks star they would have sacrifice a significant amount of depth.
As a result, the Bulls could use Mirotic in a trade if they want someone else, while Carlos Boozer will likely be offloaded too as Chicago also have the 16th and 19th overall draft picks this year.
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