Real Madrid forward Nikola Mirotić has been a man of mystery for some time.
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Mirotić was drafted by the Houston Rockets with the 23rd-overall pick in the first round of the 2011 NBA Draft and his rights were dealt to the Chicago Bulls before the night was over. Mirotić, a native of Podgorica, Montenegro has been touted as an excellent prospect, but has remained in Spain since 2008, playing for Real Madrid in the ACB League.
There have bee rumors that Mirotić would soon be coming to America to play for the Bulls, perhaps even this year. The Bulls, however, would like to keep their cap room as they pursue New York Knicks’ forward Carmelo Anthony.
According to a report from 24segundosenblanco as translated by BullsZone, Mirotić’s departure from Real Madrid as been confirmed, saying Mirotić “played his last game with the Madrid shirt … Next week he travels to the United States.’’
According to Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun Times, the Bulls are unaware of Mirotić’s intentions to play for the Bulls next season.
"The problem in all of this is Mirotic is a back-burner option for the Bulls at this point, and until they have a full understanding of how the pursuit of free agent Carmelo Anthony is going, well, Mirotic can come to the United States all he wants, but he better have some sightseeing plans to kill some time because the Bulls need as much salary as possible in the pitch for an elite star like Anthony."
Mirotić averaged 13.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game for Real Madrid last season.