Report: Bulls pushing to bring Euroleague superstar Nikola Mirotic over to the NBA

Real Madrid forward Nikola Mirotic's days as the "best player outside of the NBA" are limited.

According to a report from K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Bulls are working on a buyout agreement with Real Madrid that would permit Mirtoic to join the Bulls.

Mirotic was drafted by the Bulls in 2011 with the 23rd pick. The 6-foot-10 forward has been named to the All-Euroleague Second Team for the past two seasons, and led the Spanish national team to the gold medal in the 2010 FIBA Under-20 Championship. 

Last season, on an average of 24 minutes per game, Mirotic scored 15.9 points and grabbed 4.6 rebounds, while shooting 46.1 percent from beyond the three-point arc. The 23-year-old power forward projects as a skill player who is able to stretch the floor with his inside-out scoring ability.

Mirotic's contract with Real Madrid includes a buyout this summer, and one year beyond this season. Madrid is reportedly interested in signing their star forward to an extension.

However, Bulls GM Gar Forman isn't entirely worried, citing that, "We have a relationship with him. We feel confident he will come over at some point. Either this summer or next, we don't know."

Currently, the Bulls are well-stocked at power-forward, boasting the likes of Carlos Boozer and Taj Gibson. However, their offense largely struggled last season, posting the 28th worst offense by offensive rating. At worst, Mirotic's scoring ability should help.

Not to be dismissed, Mirotic serving as a trade chip is also a distinct possibility. Various reports have named the Bulls as contenders in the Kevin Love sweepstakes. Mirotic's youth and skillset is appealing to many teams. The Bulls can currently swap Mirotic's rights, but having his name on an NBA contract would significantly increase his trade value.