NBA Trade Rumors: Detroit Pistons have expressed interest in Nikola Mirotic

According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, the Detroit Pistons have expressed interest in Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic.

The Bulls are reportedly seeking a first-round pick to acquire the services of the Serbian forward. If Mirotic continues playing how he is now for the rest of the season, it would not be a terrible trade to send out a first-rounder for his services. He is shooting 46.5 (!) percent from beyond the arc and averaging a career-high 17.4 points in 17 games since returning from injury.

However, Mirotic is only a 35 percent shooter from three for his career, so his very hot start could just be an early-season hot streak. Of course, Mirotic started the season late because he sustained a facial fracture after being punched by teammate Bobby Portis. Nikola missed the first 23 games of the season.

Mirotic is not much of a rebounder and not much of a defender, but he is big and can shoot the three. Whether that, along with a bit of an attitude problem, is worth a draft pick is ultimately up to Stan Van Gundy to decide. If he reverts to his career norms, this trade could be one that Stan Van Gundy and Jeff Bower come to regret.

Another thing to consider is that Mirotic has the right to veto any trade due to his contract. While I am sure he would waive his no-trade clause to come to a playoff team, there is a way for Chicago to get around that.

This would put the Pistons on the hook to pay him $12.5 million for next season as well.

What are your thoughts? Would you be open to acquiring Nikola Mirotic for a first-round pick?