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[UPDATE 1/31/18 4:07PM]
Nikola Mirotic has been held out of tonight’s game and the Bulls say he will be held out indefinitely. Sounds familiar. A trade involving Nikola Mirotic is probably imminent, we’ll probably find out soon if the Jazz get to be his recipient.
While the Bulls negotiate a deal for Nikola Mirotic, he will not play, according to a source with knowledge
— Vincent Goodwill (@vgoodwill) January 31, 2018
[UPDATE 1/31/18 12:26PM]
The Utah Jazz are still pursuing Nikola Mirotic, but they will not part with a first round draft pick to get the deal done according to Tony Jones of the Salt Lake Tribune. This probably means that Utah will have to figure out a way to get a first rounder for Rodney Hood or by taking on salary in exchange for the expiring contract of Derrick Favors or Joe Johnson.
Tribune sources: With the Mirotic to New Orleans deal hitting a pause, the Jazz continue their pursuit of Niko....Per sources, they are still hesitant to include a first, but they are interested and feel Mirotic can help their roster
— Tony Jones (@tribjazz) January 31, 2018
[UPDATE 1/30/18 11:44PM]
There’s still hope. It appears the deal with the Pelicans has fallen apart (or someone has come to their senses).
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Niko is still available.
New Orleans and Chicago had a deal for Nikola Mirotic, but it's fallen apart for now, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 30, 2018
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the deal is held up by a tricky no trade clause that Mirotic has.
Essentially, Mirotic has control over his future with a trade. He can't be sure that New Orleans will pick up his $12.5M option next season -- unless Chicago does it for him prior to completing the trade. It is understandable why Mirotic isn't eager to cost himself that $12.5M.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 30, 2018
PUT THAT TRADE MACHINE DOWN. Trade Machines are playoff contenders. The Utah Jazz are officially out of the Nikola Mirotic sweepstakes. Mirotic is headed to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Omer Asik and a first round pick says Vincent Goodwill of NBC SportsChicago.
Hearing Nikola Mirotic will be dealt to New Orleans Pelicans for Omer Asik and first round draft pick, sources tell @NBCSChicago
— Vincent Goodwill (@vgoodwill) January 30, 2018
Sorry, guys, no more fake Nikola Mirotic trades. Now the only way to have Mirotic on your team is through the NBA Trade Machine. Wah-wah.