ESPN.com · Feb 1, 2018
Nikola Mirotic shut down while Bulls explore trades
The Chicago Bulls have decided to shut down Nikola Mirotic until the trade deadline passes as they continue working to find a deal that makes sense for both sides, according to a league source.
The Bulls thought they had a deal done Tuesday that would have sent Mirotic to the New Orleans Pelicans, but Mirotic and his representatives nixed that deal, according to a source, because the $12.5 million team option for the 2018-19 season would not be guaranteed.
The Pelicans and Bulls were trying to finalize a package that included Omer Asik and a future first-round pick going to Chicago, league sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Asik is owed nearly $25 million through the 2019-20 season.
