Nikola Mirotic has been removed from the Chicago Bulls' rotation by Fred Hoiberg. Mirotic will be a restricted free agent in the offseason.

"He told me that I'm out of the rotation," said Mirotic, who hasn't played in two games and was inactive for Sunday's matchup with the Celtics. "That I need to stay ready, but he didn't give me any expectation that I would [or] when I can play. Just 'stay ready.'

"I know that I'm ready. I know I can help those guys. Of course I've been inconsistent, not just me, all the team up and down -- but to be in this kind of situation, out of the rotation, doesn't make sense for me."

After a strong March in his rookie season, Mirotic was thought to be one of the best young players in the league.

Mirotic admitted it is difficult to stay positive in his situation.

"It's a very good question," Mirotic said. "It is hard. It is very hard. There's not too many things I can do right now. It looks like it's not up to me. It's up to Coach. I've always been a good teammate, always [been] professional, so I'm going to stay in that way. Do my work and wait."

The Bulls were seeking a first round pick for Mirotic at the deadline.

Mirotic was asked if he wished the Bulls would have just moved him at the deadline. He paused several moments before saying, "No."

"I came to Chicago because I wanted to play here," Mirotic said. "They drafted me, they did everything they were supposed to do, they waited for me. And for me it was like another opportunity after the [deadline]. I really was focused, working hard on myself, being the first guy in the weight room, working some extra shots. Doing everything I was supposed to do to be ready. I was feeling much better on the floor, but they made the decision they've made. It's been hard."