Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic entered this season full of optimism in hopes of improving his game to further help his team. Most importantly, he is looking for a good offer after this year and a great season would allow him to generate a lot of interest from around the league.
The 25-year-old Spanish international is on the last year of his current contract and is set to become a free agent next summer. His rare combination of size and extended range makes him a valuable asset and he is hoping that he has showcased enough talent to lift his stock in the eyes of many front offices.
Mirotic recently talked about his plans for the future and also discussed the challenges he's had over the past two years.
“Real Madrid is one of the best teams in Europe and in basketball. I had a great time playing there, great memories. I won championships there. I know the fans want me back there. But my first idea is the NBA.”
“I've had some up and downs. Nobody said it was going to easy. My rookie year, I think was good. I played on a big (winning) team with a very tough coach (Tom Thibodeau) with whom I improved a lot. Now, second and third year it has been hard. But I'm here and I want to be here. I want to keep improving.”
“I think (the NBA) is the best place I can grow as a player. I was very comfortable in Madrid. … That was a perfect place to stay and be in a comfort zone, to sign another five years. But that's not who I am. I like the challenges. … And I came here to prove that I'm ready.”
Mirotic also made it clear that he likes playing for his current team and also revealed what his first option is Chicago, if he gets offered an extension.
“I love the Bulls. I love my teammates. I love the city. It's the perfect place for me. The first idea is to re-sign.”
How the future will unfold for the young hybrid forward is definitely something worth monitoring. If there's one thing certain, a lot will rely on his performance this season which will determine the attention he'll get in the summer and how much he can potentially earn.
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