The Utah Jazz appear to be so infatuated by Nikola Mirotic that they're dangling their longest-tenured player in trade talks to try and land him.
Derrick Favors has been discussed as a piece that would be moved to the Chicago Bulls in a deal for Mirotic, sources told The Salt Lake Tribune's Tony Jones, who adds that talks between the two parties "are getting serious."
Because he re-signed with Chicago over the summer as a restricted free agent, Mirotic can't be traded until Jan. 15. He also has a no-trade clause built into his contract, although the chances of him waiving it are believed to be high.
A straight Favors-for-Mirotic swap would work numbers-wise. Favors is earning $12 million this season as an expiring contract, while Mirotic is making $12.5 million with a team option for next year. The Bulls could always void Mirotic's no-trade clause by exercising the option prior to a trade, but that would hinder the 26-year-old's value as an expiring deal.
Favors has been with Utah since 2011 after coming over as part of a package from the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets in exchange for point guard Deron Williams. He's played in 38 of a possible 40 games after sitting for a combined 52 over the past two seasons due to injury, and is averaging 12.5 points and 6.8 rebounds on 55.1 percent shooting.
Mirotic was involved in a preseason altercation with Bulls teammate Bobby Portis that kept him sidelined until Dec. 8. Chicago strung together seven consecutive victories upon his return, but have just a single win in the new year.
The Detroit Pistons are also reportedly interested in Mirotic's services.
