Prior to signing with the L.A. Clippers, Serbian sensation Milos Teodosic had reportedly a verbal deal with the Chicago Bulls prior to the Jimmy Butler trade on draft night.
His longtime agent Nick Lotsos told NBA Greece (translated by EuroHoops) how the Bulls had planned to sign his client due to a popular Serbian base in the Windy City.
“We initially had a deal with the Chicago Bulls”, said Lotsos who gave many details about the talks between the two sides. “I met in Treviso, Italy, the head of international scouting Ivica Dukan, who is the man who took Tony Kukoc to Chicago. His opinion has a real value within the Bulls organization. He is practically the No. 3 decision-maker on the team. We talked and he said to me that Milos was the best player they could get. After a few days the GM, Gar Forman, called me. We had agreed to a contract close to $30 million for three years, similar to the one Bogdan Bogdanovic signed in Sacramento. My only objection was that I wanted Milos to have the chance to opt out every summer because I believe that he can all-star money. We were ready to sign and Forman wanted the deal for one more reason. There are many Serbs in Chicago.”
Butler's trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves changed the entire spectrum of the deal, as the Bulls seemed committed to rebuild with a backcourt of Kris Dunn and Zach LaVine.
“I knew that the deal will not be completed after the trade,” said Lotsos. “And two days later, Forman called me and explained to me that the team wanted to rebuild, so getting a 30-year-old point guard without NBA experience was out of the question.
Teodosic, who has been lauded as the best passing guard Europe has to offer, signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the Clippers, who have seen their fruits ripen before their eyes during the preseason with his stunning court vision.
“He may even end up signing a $75 million deal,” said an enthusiastic Lotsos.
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