Report: Pistons, Jazz interested in Bulls' Mirotic

The Nikola Mirotic sweepstakes are underway.

The Detroit Pistons and Utah Jazz have expressed interest in trading for the Chicago Bulls forward, league sources told The New York Times' Marc Stein.

The likelihood of Mirotic getting shipped out of the Windy City ahead of the Feb. 8 trade deadline has become "increasingly likely," according to Stein's sources.

However, whether a deal comes to fruition could depend on what Chicago receives in return, as they'll be seeking compensation in the form of one or multiple draft picks.

The Bulls aren't contractually able to move Mirotic until Jan. 15 as a result of him re-upping as a restricted free agent over the summer.

A preseason incident where Mirotic and Bobby Portis got physical has seemingly been left in the past, as the team strung together seven straight wins from Dec. 8-20 upon Mirotic returning from injuries sustained in the altercation.

Chicago has come back down to Earth of late, winning once in its last six outings to own a 14-27 record and the 13th seed in the Eastern Conference.

Mirotic is averaging career highs in points (17.4), field-goal percentage (48.6 percent), 3-point percentage (46.5), rebounds (seven), and assists (1.5) through 17 appearances. His contract is also quite favorable, as he's earning $12.5 million both this year and next, followed by a $12.5-million team option.

If the Bulls elect to exercise their option before moving him, Miroticwould lose his veto power, thus providing the team more options in terms of partners.