LOS ANGELES _ The Bulls and Pelicans are finalizing a deal that will send Omer Asik, Tony Allen, Jameer Nelson and a first-round pick to the Bulls in exchange for Nikola Mirotic and a second-round pick, sources said.
The Bulls are expected to waive Allen, sources said. With Kris Dunn out, Nelson likely will stick with the Bulls initially. His minimum, expiring deal could stick for the season. Asik, who will be kept, is due $11.2 million next season but only has a $3 million guarantee on his $11.9 million deal in 2019-20.
The first-round pick carries minimal protections, sources said. It's protected for picks Nos. 1-5 in 2018 and Nos. 1-8 in 2019. With the Pelicans battling for a playoff spot and also trying to add Greg Monroe with Mirotic, it's more likely than not the Bulls receive the pick for this draft.
The Pelicans plan to pick up Mirotic's $12.5 million team option for next season, which had been the sticking point when Mirotic blocked a similar version of this trade on Tuesday. Once the team option is exercised, Mirotic no longer has the power to veto the deal.
The Bulls will also send back to the Pelicans the second-round pick they acquired in the Quincy Pondexter deal, a source said. And there is a plan for the Bulls to be able to swap second-round picks in the 2021 NBA draft.
The Bulls had to include the 2018 second-round pick in order to entice the Pelicans to pick up Mirotic's option, sources said.
The Bulls also will waive Pondexter to make room to acquire the three players initially.
The deal will become finalized when a call with the league office concludes.
The trade will end Mirotic's eventful three-and-a-half seasons in Chicago. That included him suffering two broken facial bones and a concussion when Bobby Portis punched him on Oct. 17, costing Mirotic the first 23 games.
Mirotic's camp had been consistent that Mirotic wanted to be separated from Portis since that incident, first saying either Portis or Mirotic had to go and later asking for Mirotic to be traded.
Mirotic, who helped lead the Bulls to seven straight wins when he returned and is playing the best basketball of his NBA career, got his wish.
