The Nikola Mirotic sweepstakes are heating up well ahead of the NBA trade deadline.

The Detroit Pistons and Utah Jazz have expressed interest in trading for the Chicago Bulls forward, league sources told The New York Times' Marc Stein.

With Mirotic playing the best basketball of his career, he's become an intriguing option to many teams. He's averaging a career-high 17.4 points this season, and with the Bulls clearly in a rebuilding phase, it's very likely the 26-year-old is dealt prior to the Feb. 8 trade deadline. However, Mirotic can't be traded until Jan. 15, when restrictions are lifted as a result of him signing as a restricted free agent over the summer. If the Bulls pick up the team option on Mirotic’s two-year deal,  which includes a no-trade clause for the first year, he won't have the power to veto a trade now.

The Bulls are reportedly seeking a first-round pick in exchange for Mirotic, who has been looking to leave the Windy City after a fight with teammate Bobby Portis in the preseason. The incident left Mirotic hospitalized with a concussion and facial fractures, causing him to miss the first 23 games of the campaign. Chicago collected seven straight wins from Dec. 8-20 upon Mirotic returning from injuries suffered in the altercation.

Mirotic would be a great fit for either Detroit or Utah. Both teams have the first-round 2018 draft selections Chicago is seeking a potential deal, but they'd want to acquire the sharpshooter's services for different reasons.

The Pistons (21-18) are cooling off after a hot start, and clinging to 7th in the Eastern Conference. Acquiring Mirotic would go a long way in potentially securing a playoff berth for Detroit. Andre Drummond and Tobias Harris are having massive seasons for the Pistons up front, but Mirotic's 3-point shooting ability from the wing would bolster an already steady attack.

Utah (16-24) sits 10th in the Western Conference, but is only 4 1/2 games behind the New Orleans Pelicans for the eighth and final playoff spot. The Jazz fell off the pace when rim protector Rudy Gobert went down with an injury early in the year, and it will be an uphill battle for the team to remain in contention. However, Derrick Favors' contract expires at the end of the season, leaving a huge hole at power forward. Acquiring Mirotic now would eliminate these concerns, and allow the Jazz to focus on adding other pieces in the offseason.