Report: Bulls to sit Mirotic while they look for trade

The Chicago Bulls have decided not to play Nikola Mirotic until at least after the trade deadline as the organization works on finding a deal for the forward, according to Nick Friedell of ESPN.

Chicago looked to have a deal with the New Orleans Pelicans to trade Mirotic for center Omer Asik and a first-round pick, though the trade failed to materialize and talks fell apart.

Mirotic has emerged as one of the most popular trade targets on the Bulls this season. After a practice altercation with teammate Bobby Portis left Mirotic with facial injuries, the Montenegrin forward has maintained he wants to be traded. Though talks with the Pelicans broke down, the Utah Jazz reportedly have interest in the sharpshooter.

Any deal for Mirotic will have to be approved by him, however, as he owns a no-trade clause. That ability to veto a deal will be waived, though, if his $12.5-million team option for next season is exercised first, as noted by Vincent Goodwill of NBC Sports Chicago.

In spite of the trade rumors and shaky start to the season, Mirotic is in the midst of a career year in the Windy City. Through 25 games, the 26-year-old is averaging 16.8 points and 6.4 rebounds while shooting 42.9 percent from beyond the arc.