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Chicago Bulls: Robin Lopez buyout “seems unlikely”

By Andrew Miller

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 23: Marcus Morris #13 of the Boston Celtics fouls Robin Lopez #42 of the Chicago Bulls as they battle for the ball at the United Center on February 23, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Celtics 126-116. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 23: Marcus Morris #13 of the Boston Celtics fouls Robin Lopez #42 of the Chicago Bulls as they battle for the ball at the United Center on February 23, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Celtics 126-116. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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The Chicago Bulls could keep around the 30-year-old center Robin Lopez for a bit longer until the end of this regular season.

If not for a big performance from the starting center right now for the Chicago Bulls Robin Lopez, the Feb. 25 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks would’ve been much worse. Lopez had another big outing in what is actually a good string of recent scoring performances from him.

The Chicago Bulls should be thankful to have the depth present at center beyond rookie Wendell Carter Jr., with Lopez. Carter Jr. is sidelined with a thumb injury at this moment that kept him out of game action since the middle of January. Carter Jr. is an important part for the future of this franchise, but he can’t do much for the front court right now.

However, this is where head coach Jim Boylen can rely pretty heavily on the services of Lopez in the starting five. Lopez is providing some stability next to the streaky, but hot lately, second year power forward Lauri Markkanen. In a surprising Feb. 23 home victory over the Boston Celtics, Markkanen posted a career-high 35 points. He’s on a roll in the past few games.

Markkanen continued his hot streak with a nice performance in the 117-106 loss to the Bucks yesterday. Lopez and Markkanen tied for a team-high in points in that game for the Chicago Bulls. It just wasn’t enough to get past a nice effort from All-Star small forward Khris Middleton and a solid Milwaukee team.

What is circulating throughout this weird recent string of games for Lopez and the Chicago Bulls is the buyout rumors that loom often after the NBA Trade Deadline. Since the Bulls didn’t make any moves to deal out Lopez, many figured he would be bought out.

The Chicago Bulls don’t have much need for the services of Lopez long-term. The front court rebuild for the Bulls should start with Markkanen and Carter Jr. Some younger depth at power forward and center could arrive this summer too.

What doesn’t seem to be around the corner now for the Chicago Bulls front office is the election to actually buyout Lopez. According to Mike McGraw of the Daily Herald, the buyout hasn’t been on the mind of Lopez much of late and even “seems unlikely” at this point.

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If the Chicago Bulls were to actually pull the trigger on buying out Lopez, it would make more sense to do it after Carter Jr. returns from injury. Keeping the depth strong in the front court could also help the development be ore patient for Carter Jr. and Markkanen. The case could be made for Lopez either way now.