NBA Rumors: Chicago Bulls Nikola Mirotic Quits After Jimmy Butler Fails; Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson Eye Exit

By Mitch de Leon
NBA: Chicago Bulls at Boston Celtics
Jan 22, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) shoots the ball against Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) during the first half at TD Garden.  Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls ended the season with a failure. While the odds of beating LeBron James' Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference were a tad unlikely given the performance of Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler during the games, the team's failed run to join the NBA playoffs 2016 was just embarrassing. Moreover, the overall discontent from veteran stars like Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson and Pau Gasol appears to signify a potential roster overhaul for the Chicago Bulls.

One of the most disappointing situations during the NBA season is the failed leadership of Jimmy Butler. The promising star, who once went head to head against Stephen Curry and LeBron James in an effort to afford his teammates more leg room to score, is deemed as the primary reason for the Chicago Bulls' frustrating season. Rumors are rife that Butler's insistence on his gameplays cost the NBA team too many games.

Meanwhile, the season might have been the last for Nikola Mirotic. Following his injuries and the back to back losses of the Chicago Bulls, it appears that the Spanish star might be interested in pursuing other things. To be more specific, Mirotic is reportedly expressing his desire to play for the National Team of his home country. If this opportunity present itself to be more alluring to the 25-year-old star, will it spell the end for his stint with the Chicago Bulls?

"I'm eager to return to the National Team," said Mirotic of his plans this NBA offseason. He added, "I've been focused on finishing the season strong and be ready so (head coach Sergio) Scariolo calls me. The rest is not up to me. I'm totally available and of course I will respect whatever the head coach decides."

Mirotic also shared his disappointment over the failed NBA playoffs 2016 run of the Chicago Bulls. Comparing their performance this season to the one they showed in the past, the Spanish star noted that they did not play with the same level of energy and motivation. Mirotic also shared that the divide in the Chicago Bulls locker room affected their performance in the hardwood court.

"We didn't find the motivation we had last year. You didn't see that fighting till the very end. We have to think about the things we can do better as a team," said Mirotic. He added, "The franchise is aware we've embarrassed ourselves and there will be changes. We've had injuries, but that's no excuse. We didn't compete like we should. We've lacked togetherness."

Will this be the end for the Chicago Bulls? Will the next season see a team sans Joakim Noah, Pau Gasol, Taj Gibson and Nikola Mirotic? Or will the NBA team only lose Jimmy Butler?

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