Nobody expected the Chicago Bulls to be good this season. After dealing away Jimmy Butler in exchange for young assets, everyone understood the Bulls were headed for a rebuild. It was bad enough that Zach LaVine was brought with an injury that still needed more time to heal. Plus, the fight between Bobby Portis and Nikola Mirotic did not help the team whatsoever. Instead, it raised the tension in an already tense locker room environment thanks to, in part, Chicago's problematic front office.

But since Mirotic returned from the face injury caused by Portis, everything has seemed to click. Not that the Bulls turned into a serious playoff threat in one night. Mirotic came back with his hands full, Kris Dunn started elevating his game to new levels, Portis was high-fiving Mirotic, and the Bulls went on a seven-game win streak. Mirotic is mainly credited for it, but he is as responsible for the spark as the rest of the team. It now appears that the Spaniard is ready to leave Chi-Town despite this magnificent stretch.

Joe Cowley from the Chicago Sun-Times reports that the trade request Mirotic made shortly after his fight with Portis is still standing. The return of LaVine makes it even more imminent as the young shooting guard is expected to be a top scorer in the team and the Bulls are all about developing their youth this season.

Article Continues Below
More NBA News
Jalen Brunson, Nike Kobe 6 Statue of Liberty, Jalen Brunson Nike Kobe 6
Jalen Brunson, Nike to release Nike Kobe 6 ‘Statue of Liberty’Dominik Zawartko ·
image thumbnail
Clippers trade proposal lands Jrue Holiday from CelticsJedd Pagaduan ·
San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40) leaps into the arms of San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) after hitting a three point basket at the buzzer over Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) for the win in the fourth period at Chase Center.
Harrison Barnes’ blunt ‘luxury’ take on place among young Spurs coreHector Ledesma ·
Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) looks on during the first half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome.
Klay Thompson’s heart-wrenching tribute to late dog RoccoJoey Mistretta ·
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) in the fourth quarter during game five of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
The key Jalen Brunson stat that set up Knicks’ Game 5 win vs. PacersRichard Pereira ·
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) drives to the basket past Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) in the second half at Target Center.
Pelicans rumors: Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III no longer untouchableDavid Yapkowitz ·

Mirotic is not eligible for a trade until Jan. 15, and his contract has a no-trade clause. Apparently, he is willing to waive it to allow the Bulls explore the best fit for both parties. Mirotic does hold a certain control over his destination, as he can veto trades thanks to this no-trade clause if he does not like where he is headed.

If Mirotic is traded, it would not be surprising watching him join a contender, as he has already proved his value off the bench and could offer frontcourt help to any team willing to give up the assets the Bulls ask for. Mirotic is averaging 18.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists and shooting 46.3 percent from behind the three-point line in 15 games this season.