According to multiple reports, Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic doesn’t intend to forgive his teammate Bobby Portis for punching him at practice and will seek a trade if Portis remains with the team. On October 17, Mirotic and Portis clashed on team’s practice, with Portis punching Mirotic in the face. Mirotic ended up in the hospital, with two fractured facial bones and a concussion. Portis, on the other hand, received 8 games suspension.
Asked about Mirotic’s trade desires, Bulls’ executive vice president John Paxson, declined to give a direct answer.
“I’m not going to get into any specifics about what discussions we have had with any agents and players,“- Paxson said. “What I do want to say is we’re really sensitive to this entire issue and what Niko is going through physically and mentally. We’re trying to be sensitive to him. We don’t have all the answers today, but … we have to do what’s in our best interests. That’s the bottom line. We’re going to continue to communicate with Niko and his representatives and find our way through this. It’s very important for us to do what’s in our best interest.“
Mirotic is still recovering from the injury, and will likely spend 6 weeks of the court. He recently signed a new 2-year deal with the Bulls, worth around $27 million and expressed his desire to stay in Chicago for a long time. Now, it looks like he will move on if Portis sticks around. The Bulls can hope that the relationship between the players will heal over time or part ways with one of them. It is important to note that Mirotic can’t be traded until January.
The Chicago Bulls previously stated that, although Portis was the one who crossed the limit, Mirotic also played a part in the incident. The organization even allowed Portis to participate in practice. Portis expressed his regret after punching Mirotic and reached out to apologize personally, but didn’t receive an answer.
