Not that they were ever going to buy, but the Bulls took the next step in their rebuilding phase when they reportedly dealt Nikola Mirotic and a second-round pick to the Pelicans on Thursday.
In exchange they received a first-round pick, a future second rounder, Omer Asik, Tony Allen and Jameer Nelson. The ramifications of the deal aren't league-altering, but they are significant for a Bulls team that just added another asset to what will be an important offseason.
Beginning with the first-round pick, the Pelicans currently sit at 27-23, seventh in the Western Conference and two games clear of the Lottery.