For a while it seemed like the New Orleans Pelicans trade for Nikola Mirotic wasn’t going to happen. However, the front office was able to get the deal done on Thursday afternoon.
The biggest issue was that the Pelicans were wary of guaranteeing the $12.5 million team option on Mirotic’s contract for the 2018-19 season, but were able to come to an agreement which allows Chicago to complete the trade without his permission.
In exchange, the Pelicans are sending center Omer Asik, guards Tony Allen and Jameer Nelson, and a 2018 protected first-round pick to the Bulls.
Mirotic has averaged 16.8 points and 6.4 boards per game this year with the Bulls after missing the start of the season due to an injury sustained after a scuffle with Bobby Portis.
-Clint Domingue