The Chicago Bulls are mired in a difficult circumstance after a pre-regular season incident involving forwards Bobby Portis and Nikola Mirotic after the former punched the latter in the face at the end of a team practice, causing fractures and an eight-game suspension to follow.

Mirotic has been at odds with the actions and response the team has had toward Portis and does not see himself coexisting with him on the same team, as the two haven't spoken to each other since the incident, according to ESPN's Nick Friedell.

“No, I haven't talked to Niko,” Portis said before a 119-114 loss to the Toronto Raptors.

“I just let bygones be bygones with that. I can't control that. Only thing I can control is myself at this point. I'm not worried about who goes, who stays. Only thing I'm worried about is coming in trying to play at the highest level possible.”

“I'm living my dream right now. This is my dream. I've always wanted to play in the NBA. I'm here, and that's all I want to do at this point.”

The Bulls front office has been inclined to trade Mirotic, shedding a better-paid player with the ability to knock shots down from distance. Mirotic's agent has also suggested the team move on from his client, claiming what's taken place as irreconcilable.

Chicago has a clear starter for the future in Lauri Markkanen, one that has proven to do the things Mirotic did on the court with a much friendlier contract scale.