The New Orleans Pelicans have acquired Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic in exchange for center Omer Asik and a first round draft pick. For the Pelicans, this represents a win now move in the wake of DeMarcus Cousins's season-ending Achilles injury. Mirotic will likely step into the starting lineup and continue the role of a stretch four that he's occupied for the Bulls this season. The Pelicans will have to adjust their offensive schemes with Mirotic, as he doesn't have the same kind of interior game as Cousins, but he should help them with floor spacing, which will give Anthony Davis more room to operate. Both players could see a slight uptick in their stats after this deal, as Mirotic will no longer be competing with Lauri Markkanen for playing time.
The Chicago Bulls have come to terms with power forward Nikola Mirotic, re-signing him to a two-year deal worth around $27 million. This is a good signing for the Bulls as the departure of small forward Jimmy Butler among others left the team strapped for returning players. Mirotic averaged nearly 11 points and six boards in his third season with the club and saw his minutes increase after power forward Taj Gibson was dealt to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the middle of the 16-17 campaign.
Nikola Mirotic
• PF
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Bulls
