NBA Trade Rumors: The Jazz are ‘engaged’ in trade talks for Nikola Mirotic

Nikola Mirotic has made it clear that, if he had his way, he’d be traded from the Bulls. If the Jazz get their way, he may soon get his wish. They’re currently engaged in trade talks with the Bulls for the stretch forward, according to a report from the Salt Lake Tribune.

The Salt Lake Tribune has confirmed that Utah is engaged in talks with the Chicago Bulls on a deal that would bring power forward Nikola Mirotic to Utah. Jazz forward Derrick Favors has been discussed as a potential piece that would go to Chicago, according to multiple sources.

Other reports Tuesday suggest the Bulls want a first round pick as compensation for Mirotic, something they have inquired the Jazz about.

The Bulls are willing to part ways with Mirotic, but only at the right price. And it sounds like they believe that price is a pick or a solid rotation player.

It was previously reported that the Jazz had interest in Mirotic on Monday and that Jazz coach Quin Snyder had a growing interest in “maximizing” his offensive talent.

Mirotic has wanted to move on from the Bulls ever since the situation between him and Portis became a thing. He told the Bulls in October that it wasn’t going to work out between the two and demanded that one of them be moved, according to a previous report.

“It’s been described by one source as ‘one of them has to go,’” NBC Sports’ Vincent Goodwill reported, “and the Bulls are aware of the tenuous situation.”

He and Portis still aren’t speaking despite the run the Bulls have been on. Still, it hasn’t affected their play on the court. The relationship doesn’t seem to be getting any better despite the Bulls’ recent play, so it may be time to cut bait.

The Bulls are better off being a worse team, anyway. They don’t have an obvious building block for their future and the higher their draft pick, the better.

Mirotic doesn’t do anything for their future and would be better on a team like the Jazz who are looking to compete now. The Jazz have struggled offensively this season and could use a legitimate stretch big who can also put the ball on the floor.

The Bulls may simply be asking for too much. Derrick Favors is a solid player and the Jazz aren’t really in a position to give up a draft pick. They’re not a competitive team right now and, if they can’t stay healthy, the pick may have more value down the line.

Mirotic is a solid player and a solid piece, but he’s probably not worth a lottery pick. He’s only going to make the Jazz worse defensively — their best attribute as a team. There are benefits for both teams in doing this trade, but it doesn’t make much sense as currently constructed.