NBA Rumors: Chicago Bulls close to deal with Nikola Mirotic
By Sam Richmond
The Chicago Bulls have had their eye on a lot of big-name free agents this summer, including Carmelo Anthony and Pau Gasol. But it appears their most likely signing is someone they acquired on NBA Draft night in 2011, Nikola Mirotic.
Mirotic, who has remained in the Euroleague, is on the verge of finally coming to the NBA.
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From CSN Chicago:
"According to a league source, a deal with the 23-year-old Spanish forward is “almost done” and because Mirotic’s $3-million buyout to Spain’s Real Madrid (of which the Bulls can contribute $600,000) can be paid over time, his annual salary might not significantly affect the franchise’s salary cap."
Mirotic is someone that should be able to help the Bulls immediately. He averaged 15.9 points and 4.6 rebounds last season with Real Madrid.
ESPN’s Fran Frachilla has said that Mirotic would have been a top pick in the year’s draft.
"“I think he would have been the guy like we said with Jabari Parker, he’s the most ready to play in an NBA game right now,” Fraschilla said on ESPN 1000’s “Waddle and Silvy Show” on Monday. “And we might have even made the statement Andrew Wiggins may have the most upside, but I honestly think he would have been in the top [few picks]. Let’s assume a healthy [Joel] Embiid, you’re definitely talking about [Mirotic being] a top-four pick.”"
The 23-year-old was the Spanish Cup MVP in 2014.