Nikola Mirotic has made no secret of his desire to secure a trade away from the Chicago Bulls before the deadline and the team has been attempting to grant him his wish.The Bulls have been in discussions with several teams about offloading the power forward and appeared to be very close to finalising a deal this week.According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Chicago had seemingly agreed a package with the New Orleans Pelicans that would've seen them receive Omer Asik and a future first-round pick.However, that deal has collapsed and the two teams have been unable to complete the trade due to Mirotic awaiting his $12.5 million team option for the 2018-19 season to be exercised.Per Wojnarowski: "Mirotic signed a two-year deal with the Bulls in August that included a team option that's subject to the NBA's one-year Bird provision."For a trade to be completed, Mirotic would have to approve a deal that didn't include a guarantee on his 2018-19 salary. Chicago and New Orleans wouldn't need his permission if they elected to exercise his team option before completing the trade."So far, the Pelicans have resisted committing to that $12.5 million on next season's payroll, league sources said."

This comes as a blow to New Orleans who are desperate to find a replacement after DeMarcus Cousins was ruled out for the remainder of the year with a torn Achilles.

The Bulls big man would've helped to add scoring alongside Anthony Davis and provided much-needed floor spacing with his three-point shooting ability.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed a productive campaign, averaging 16.8 points and 6.4 rebounds.

Despite his solid numbers, Mirotic has been keen to depart the Windy City since an altercation with Bobby Portis in the pre-season where he suffered a facial fracture and missed the first 23 games.

The Pelicans' failure to land him has opened the door for other interested teams to engage in discussions with Chicago again.

One team looking to take full advantage is the Utah Jazz. According to Tony Jones of the Salt Lake Tribune, the franchise is keen to pursue a deal for him before February 8.

Earlier this month, they reportedly offered Derrick Favors in exchange but their reluctance to include a first-round pick was the stumbling block on an agreement being reached.

But the Bulls are believed to have requested a first-round draft pick in any deal for Mirotic and will not be prepared to listen to offers without one.

With just over a week remaining before the trade deadline closes, time is quickly ticking on a potential deal for the Montenegro-born man.