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Report: Mirotic still seeks trade, tells Bulls where he wants to play

Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

The Chicago Bulls appear to have reached the point of no return with Nikola Mirotic.

The 26-year-old forward still wants to leave the organization, and has informed management through his representatives of teams he'd like to play for, a source told the Chicago Sun-Times' Joe Cowley.

While the two parties have remained professional, the damage caused by a preseason altercation between Mirotic and teammate Bobby Portis is reportedly beyond repair, which has played a part in him wanting out of the Windy City.

He has a no-trade clause built into his contract after re-signing over the offseason as a restricted free agent, but the Bulls can void it by picking up his $12.5-million option for 2018-19.

The Utah Jazz and Detroit Pistons have reportedly inquired about Mirotic, as have the New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers.

Mirotic was forced to miss the first 23 games of the 2017-18 campaign with face and head injuries after his fight with Portis. The two have seemingly reconciled since then, although it was reported months ago that Mirotic may not be comfortable playing with Portis on a long-term basis.

Mirotic, who has missed Chicago's last two outings with a stomach virus, is averaging a team-high 17.4 points and seven rebounds on 48.6 percent shooting through 17 total appearances.

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