The trade that was, then wasn’t, then was again.
Pelicans and Bulls have reached an agreement in principle on Mirotic trade, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 1, 2018
Talks between the Pelicans and Bulls in a potential Niko Mirotic trade have been going on for a couple weeks. An agreement was essentially in place on January 30. But there was a snag in the trade discussions regarding Niko’s contract that kept the agreement from becoming a reality.
This was reported widely yesterday, including here. Without option getting picked up, Mirotic won't agree to Pelicans trade. And Pelicans have tax concerns w/ plans to re-sign Cousins so aren't amenable to doing so. Doesn't sound like stances will change for now (or ever?)
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 31, 2018
Finally, the Pelicans decided to pick up Niko’s team-option in 2018-19. The option would give him $12.5 million, which unclogged the trade-pipe and pushed it through. The Pels would also receive Bulls second-round pick. In return, New Orleans would send a protected (1-5) first-round draft pick, Omir Asik, and the expiring contracts of Jameer Nelson and Tony Allen. Chicago will reportedly release Tony Allen and keep Omir Asik and Jameer Nelson.
The trade has received some skepticism from some Bulls fans, and I’m struggling to understand why…
It’s understandable that a number fans have been wired to automatically hate any moves GarPax make. This move just makes sense for what the Bulls are trying to do; rebuild.
The Bulls essentially swapped their second-round pick for a likely mid-first-round pick. As it stands right now, Chicago has a 21.5% chance of snagging a pick in the top five with their own draft choice. Couple that with another first rounder that may be anywhere between pick 15-18, and the Bulls should have two additional building blocks to add to their already young core of Lauri Markkanen, Kris Dunn, and Zach LaVine only a year after trading All-Star Jimmy Butler. Getting younger talent should be the Bulls’ main goal if they want to obtain a young core to build around that will create sustained success. Having two first-round picks certainly steers towards that direction.
If swapping a second-round pick for a first isn’t impressive enough for you, then look at it this way: it was clear the Bulls weren’t going to pick up Niko’s option after this year and were going to let him walk. So, trade Niko and get a first-round pick in return, or let Niko walk for nothing? The answer seems obvious.
As mentioned above, the Bulls chances of receiving a lottery pick in the top five are pretty high, and the chances are even greater now that Mirotic is off the team. It would be a stretch to say Niko was the team’s MVP, but he was playing well while the Bulls were en route to a 14-11 record after going 3-20 before his return in the wake of receiving a Bobby Portis right-hook to the jaw. If Bulls fans are celebrating a pick of DeAndre Ayton, Marvin Bagley, or Luka Doncic come June, this trade will have a lot to do with it.
The Bulls may not be finished acquiring young assets for their veterans.
Bulls remain very active in trade talks, per league sources.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 1, 2018
This tweet by Bulls beat writer K.C. Johnson was after Niko-to-the-Pelicans was reported. After receiving Omir Asik in the trade, it could mean Bulls are actively trying to trade veteran big-man Robin Lopez. Justin Holiday is another name to keep an eye on, as the Bulls have brought up G-League star Antonio Blakeney. During his stint in the D-League, the 21-year old averaged just under 34 PPG. Trading Lopez and Holiday should also make the Bulls even worse than they are now. That just increases their chances of obtaining a top-three draft pick.
In an article I wrote in the beginning of this year, I stated that the best scenario for the Bulls was to be competitive in games for developmental reasons, but eventually lose in order to gain momentum on a high draft pick. It would seem that hope is becoming a reality.
You can follow me and the rest of my sports thoughts on Twitter @Eli_PerSources.