Chicago Bulls: Pros and cons of keeping Lauri Markkanen

Thoughts that Chicago Bulls power forward Lauri Markkanen gave on his intentions in the Windy City could give clarity to the front office’s next move.

In a recent podcast where the Chicago Bulls third-year former Arizona Wildcats power forward and seven-footer Lauri Markkanen discussed a lot about his path forward in the near future in the NBA, we found out a lot about his thought process at the moment. Markkanen spoke to how he wants to stick around in the Windy City even though he’s entering the final year of his rookie contract next season.

If nothing else, this is at least a good sign that Markkanen seemingly wants to be with the Bulls over the long haul and enjoys life in the Windy City. With the new look front office taking over for the Bulls in the midst of the third year of the rebuild during the novel coronavirus pandemic-induced NBA season hiatus, Markkanen’s commitment to this young core is significant.

There would be the ability of Markkanen to want out and find a change of scenery that would better his development early in his NBA career. Given all the ups and downs he’s already experienced in his first three years in the NBA in a Bulls uniform, it would be understandable if he wanted out with John Paxson and Gar Forman now out of power in the front office.

Moreover, the Bulls really do have two options concerning Markkanen’s contract. They could hand him a contract extension this offseason, like many expected would happen prior to tip off of the 2019-20 regular season. Or the Bulls could wait it out and explore other options to see if Markkanen is rejuvenated in Chicago, or possibly at another landing spot.

Here’s a look into a comparison of the pros and cons for the Bulls to hand Markkanen a contract extension this offseason.