While the NBA trade deadline didn’t treat us with big blockbuster trades, we did manage to see some major shakeups on Thursday. Arguably the biggest names that changed teams were Memphis Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol who was traded to the Toronto Raptors, and New Orleans Pelicans’ Nikola Mirotic, who joined Milwaukee Bucks.

After realizing they won’t get back to the playoffs anytime soon, Grizzlies started shopping Gasol in the recent weeks and were engaged with several teams including Charlotte Hornets. Still, Raptors made a last-minute offer for the 34-year-old which included Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright, CJ Miles and a 2024 second-round draft pick and managed to get their guy.

By pairing Marc Gasol with All-Stars Kyle Lowry and Kawhi Leonard, Raptors now formed their own Big-3 and emerged as one of the prime contenders to reach the NBA Finals in Eastern Conference. Grizzlies, on the other hand, officially entered the rebuilding mode and are facing a long way back to contention.

Gasol played 53 games this season and has averaged 15.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game.

In the second big trade on Thursday, New Orleans Pelicans began the process of tearing down their roster and sent Nikola Mirotic to the Milwaukee Bucks. Pelicans received Jason Smith, Stanley Johnson and four second-round picks in exchange according to ESPN.

With this trade, the Bucks improved what has been already a strong roster and are slowly establishing themselves as a big force in the East.

Mirotic is averaging 16.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game.

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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.

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Chicago Bulls are slowly shaping up their roster. After they reached a contract buyout agreement with Dwyane Wade, the Bulls re-signed power forward Nikola Mirotic to a two-year, $27 million deal. According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, Mirotic is set to make $12.5 million for the upcoming season with the second year being a team option. While Chicago Bulls are heading to a complete rebuild, Mirotic’s 3 seasons with the team saw him emerging as the player with the longest tenure on the Bulls’ roster.

“I’m very happy with my new contract, to be honest,” Mirotic said on Tuesday. “Very happy to be here, very thankful for the Chicago Bulls organization for this opportunity. I said at the end of the season that my goal is to be here, to do what I didn’t do maybe those first three years. Be consistent, you know. Some people thought I was worried with my contract. No, I was very calm, working here until the middle of August.“

Nikola Mirotic started his professional career in Spain, playing for Real Madrid from 2008 to 2014. His honors included being named Spanish League MVP in 2013. He declared for NBA 2011 draft where the Houston Rockets selected him with the 23rd overall pick. He was then traded on the draft night to Minnesota Timberwolves and then again to the Chicago Bulls. In 2014 the Bulls called and Mirotic signed a three-year, $16.6 million contract with the team. After his first season with the Bulls, Mirotic was included in NBA All-Rookie First Team selection. During his time with Chicago Bulls, Mirotic played 218 regular season games averaging 10.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. Although born in Montenegro, Mirotic decided to play for Spain men’s national basketball team. Besides winning a gold medal with U20 team, he also helped the Spain’s senior team to win EuroBasket 2015 and bronze medal on 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

The post Chicago Bulls Re-Sign Nikola Mirotic to a 2-year, $27 Million Deal appeared first on SportzBonanza.

While the NBA trade deadline didn’t treat us with big blockbuster trades, we did manage to see some major shakeups on Thursday. Arguably the biggest names that changed teams were Memphis Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol who was traded to the Toronto Raptors, and New Orleans Pelicans’ Nikola Mirotic, who joined Milwaukee Bucks.

After realizing they won’t get back to the playoffs anytime soon, Grizzlies started shopping Gasol in the recent weeks and were engaged with several teams including Charlotte Hornets. Still, Raptors made a last-minute offer for the 34-year-old which included Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright, CJ Miles and a 2024 second-round draft pick and managed to get their guy.

By pairing Marc Gasol with All-Stars Kyle Lowry and Kawhi Leonard, Raptors now formed their own Big-3 and emerged as one of the prime contenders to reach the NBA Finals in Eastern Conference. Grizzlies, on the other hand, officially entered the rebuilding mode and are facing a long way back to contention.

Gasol played 53 games this season and has averaged 15.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game.

In the second big trade on Thursday, New Orleans Pelicans began the process of tearing down their roster and sent Nikola Mirotic to the Milwaukee Bucks. Pelicans received Jason Smith, Stanley Johnson and four second-round picks in exchange according to ESPN.

With this trade, the Bucks improved what has been already a strong roster and are slowly establishing themselves as a big force in the East.

Mirotic is averaging 16.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game.

The post Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol Traded to the Raptors, Pelicans Send Nikola Mirotic to Bucks appeared first on SportzBonanza.

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.

The post Chicago Bulls Nikola Mirotic Wants to Be Traded if Bobby Portis Stays appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Chicago Bulls are slowly shaping up their roster. After they reached a contract buyout agreement with Dwyane Wade, the Bulls re-signed power forward Nikola Mirotic to a two-year, $27 million deal. According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, Mirotic is set to make $12.5 million for the upcoming season with the second year being a team option. While Chicago Bulls are heading to a complete rebuild, Mirotic’s 3 seasons with the team saw him emerging as the player with the longest tenure on the Bulls’ roster.

“I’m very happy with my new contract, to be honest,” Mirotic said on Tuesday. “Very happy to be here, very thankful for the Chicago Bulls organization for this opportunity. I said at the end of the season that my goal is to be here, to do what I didn’t do maybe those first three years. Be consistent, you know. Some people thought I was worried with my contract. No, I was very calm, working here until the middle of August.“

Nikola Mirotic started his professional career in Spain, playing for Real Madrid from 2008 to 2014. His honors included being named Spanish League MVP in 2013. He declared for NBA 2011 draft where the Houston Rockets selected him with the 23rd overall pick. He was then traded on the draft night to Minnesota Timberwolves and then again to the Chicago Bulls. In 2014 the Bulls called and Mirotic signed a three-year, $16.6 million contract with the team. After his first season with the Bulls, Mirotic was included in NBA All-Rookie First Team selection. During his time with Chicago Bulls, Mirotic played 218 regular season games averaging 10.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. Although born in Montenegro, Mirotic decided to play for Spain men’s national basketball team. Besides winning a gold medal with U20 team, he also helped the Spain’s senior team to win EuroBasket 2015 and bronze medal on 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

The post Chicago Bulls Re-Sign Nikola Mirotic to a 2-year, $27 Million Deal appeared first on SportzBonanza.