Chicago Bulls: Why silence at deadline speaks volumes to the future

The jury on Porter Jr. remains out with this team as he’s only appeared in nine games for the Bulls this season because of injury.  Porter Jr. averages 11.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 41.7-percent from the field, and 40-percent from three.

He has the option in his contract to opt-out this summer or he can return for $26.631 million with a player option. Denzel Valentine is also another small forward/wing player on contract year for $2.482 million, so if Porter isn’t in future ownership plans then Valentine will be back for a most likely a fifth of the yearly cost for Porter Jr.

Center Wendell Carter Jr. was the most-hyped Bull entering this season, and he lasted 37 games before being out since January 6th. Carter Jr. averaged 11.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 53.7-percent this season compared to 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 48.5-percent as a rookie in 44 games.

The latest news was Markkanen might be unhappy in Chicago, as he’s battled injuries and having a down year alongside LaVine’s career-year. Markkanen has appeared in 46 games in 2019-20 averaging 15 points and 6.5 rebounds compared to 18.7 points and 9 rebounds last season in 52 games.

The most advanced stats prove Markkanen’s season is a disappointment thus far with a career-low 14.47 Player Efficiency Rating (125th) and 20.7 Usage Rating (128th). Last season Markkanen was 61st in Usage Rating (24.5), and a 17.16 PER rating which would have been 57th if he qualified.

“Lauri, we believe in at a high level and we view him as a cornerstone player,” Paxson said. “It’s our responsibility to help him become the type of player we believe he can be. We’ve had direct communication with him, with his agent … we’ve never been told Lauri doesn’t want to be here.”

Markkanen has another year left on his rookie contract. He will be eligible for an extension in the fall or he could become a restricted free agent in 2021. If the Bulls are committed to this team’s future starting at the core, Markkannen should be brought back on an extension, but that could limit whether Otto Porter Jr. resigns or not.

Kris Dunn is also on the last season of his contract with Chicago. Dunn is out for the month with an ACL Sprain, and with Tomas Satoransky on a three-year deal, and White on the first of his rookie contract – Dunn’s days are numbered.

Depending on what happens with Boylen will be the final factor in what players stay following this season, and what value of players can be brought in the summer of 2020. Ownership continues to stand behind Boylen, while fans remain skeptical.

It’s always hard for a coach,” Paxson said. “I think you guys have been around Jim enough to know that he’s a very positive guy. He keeps trying to grind it out. One thing I do admire is he doesn’t quit on these guys. He looks at them, and he believes in them.”

That might be so, but it’s always hard to watch a talented team like this Bulls one fail to meet expectations, but LaVine said it best about Boylen, “He’s trying to do his job the best he can, you know (to win)?” LaVine said. “No one’s going to feel sorry for you,” when referring to the injury-riddled roster and losing.

If the Bulls miss the postseason while one or more teams in the East make playoffs, there will need to be action taken starting with the coaching staff and no more excuses from ownership. The Bulls are 151-230 (.396) since firing Tom Thibodeau they miss a lack of accountability, among a coach that mentally, physically, and verbally pushes his team to success.

I’m not sure Boylen is that coach, but now is the time to start proving that he will be the Head Coach of the Chicago Bulls after April with a postseason push-starting now.