Written by ESPN News Staff at ESPN.com
Nikola Mirotic is not ready to let bygones be bygones, telling the Chicago Bulls that he would welcome a trade if the team decides to keep Bobby Portis, according to multiple reports.
Mirotic suffered a concussion and facial fractures when he was punched by Portis during a practice altercation Oct. 17. Portis was suspended eight games.
According to the reports, Mirotic’s team has told the Bulls that they would waive his no-trade clause and leave Chicago rather than stay with Portis. The 26-year-old Mirotic signed a two-year, $27 million contract before the season.
After the fight, the Bulls initially said that they were waiting for Mirotic’s concussion symptoms to subside before doctors could ascertain if he needed surgery for his other injuries. Coach Fred Hoiberg said that Mirotic was not cleared from the concussion protocol when he visited a specialist Wednesday. But vice president of basketball operations John Paxson told reporters at Friday’s practice that Mirotic was cleared for light physical activity like riding a bike.
Paxson said that the team is sympathetic to Mirotic’s plight but would have to do what’s best for the organization. He added that they would take Mirotic’s lead when it comes to communicating with teammates.
Portis apologized publicly Oct. 21 and said he had reached out to Mirotic but had not heard back.
“I’m wrong for what I did,” Portis said. “I want to publicly apologize to Niko. I feel like I let my fans, the Bulls organization and, most importantly, my teammates down. This is not who Bobby Portis is.”
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