Report: Bulls locker room backs Portis after Mirotic's ultimatum

Nikola Mirotic fractured multiple bones in his face during practice, he suffered a concussion, he's been thoroughly embarrassed in the press, and now he's lost the support of his teammates.

Mirotic issued a "me-or-him" ultimatum after having his jaw restructured by the fist of Bulls teammate Bobby Portis, and is ducking the practice facilities at times when Portis is around. Given what happened, Mirotic understandably wanted him gone, but his demands may have backfired.

The Bulls locker room has evidently chosen to stand behind Portis, two anonymous Bulls players told Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. One player even said "It's Niko's problem" as to what he wants to do going forward.

Mirotic had just won the starting spot over Portis before he was sidelined for at least six weeks with facial fractures. The two apparently had problems going back three seasons, and things finally boiled over in a scrimmage on the eve of the season when Mirotic challenged Portis one too many times.

Portis has since reached out to Mirotic to apologize, but hasn't heard anything in the three weeks that have passed by.

Chicago's front office has tried to stand behind both players, but it looks as if Mirotic will be the odd man out. Contract negotiations stalled all summer before the two sides reached a compromise on a two-year deal with a team option for 2018-19. But since Mirotic re-signed as a restricted free agent, the Bulls will not be able to trade him until mid-January. He may be a tough sell coming off an injury while holding a $12.5-million price tag.

Portis, meanwhile, endeared himself to the team Tuesday by scoring 21 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and dishing out four assists in his season debut following the team-issued, eight-game suspension.