Chicago Bulls rumors: Nikola Mirotic to Pistons?

There have been plenty of rumors surrounding Nikola Mirotic in recent weeks. On Tuesday, a new one popped up, this time involving the Detroit Pistons.

The Bulls seem intent on moving veteran forward Nikola Mirotic in hopes of shedding of his contract for next season. Some reports have stated that Chicago is intent on getting back a first-round pick and no long-term contracts in return for Mirotic. Recently having been linked to the Utah Jazz, a new team appears to have entered the race according to New York Time’s Marc Stein. That team would be the Detroit Pistons, who recently lost point guard Reggie Jackson to injury.

For the Pistons, bringing on Mirotic would be wise due to what he would bring to the lineup and rotation. The team could use an added three-point shooter off the bench, or even possibly in the starting lineup with Tobias Harris moving back to his original small forward position. With many trades being possible, we asked The Athletic Detroit’s Duncan Smith on what he thinks the Pistons should do, here was his response:

"I think the Pistons should be prepared to enter a rebuild, and as a result they should avoid trading picks that aren’t heavily protected or young players like Stanley Johnson and Luke Kennard. Unfortunately, those assets are going to be top of mind for the Bulls, so I don’t think this is a deal the Pistons should be eager to pursue."

Stanley Johnson should be the top priority for the Bulls. Stan Van Gundy can’t seem to find out where Johnson fits in their lineup, is he a small forward? Or a power forward? Maybe Fred Hoiberg could figure that out. Now, taking into account what Duncan said about Johnson and Kennard being likely off the table, what could a possible Bulls-Pistons trade look like?

The Trade

Bulls receive: Boban Marjanovic, 2018 1st round pick

Pistons receive: Nikola Mirotic

This trade would help out both teams, as the Bulls would get rid of Mirotic and his hefty contract while taking on Marjanovic who’s contract is up at the end of this season. Currently the Pistons pick is in the 18th slot, trading them a veteran forward would likely add a few more wins to their total. A pick in the early 20’s is not ideal for Chicago, however it is another first rounder for the Bulls to work with come draft time.

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Trading Mirotic before the trade deadline would be of the best interest to the Bulls as they are fully committed to a rebuild. Getting rid of him would possibly secure even more losses, as players with less talent would be moved into the rotation. For the future, the Bulls need to lose as much as possible to get a high draft pick.