1) Players to target in a Markkanen trade: Rudy Gobert, Center
The last and biggest name on this list that would be very intriguing for the Bulls to go after if they truly looked into a Markkanen trade is the Utah Jazz two-time Defensive Player of the Year and first-time All-Star selection, center Rudy Gobert. The 7-foot-1 and 260 pound Saint-Quentin, France, native had a very productive season with the Jazz during the 2019-20 campaign.
Gobert played in 68 games in the season that was with the Jazz (starting in all of them). He averaged 15.1 points per game, 13.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.8 steals, and 2.0 blocks. Gobert shot 69.3 percent from the field and 63.0 percent from the free-throw line.
There was clear friction between Gobert and standout guard Donovan Mitchell at the outset of the pause with all that happened after the former of the two had his positive test for the novel coronavirus announced back in mid-March. Is that a relationship that is going to improve moving forward, or will the Jazz look to part ways with one of the two?
Set to hit the free agent market as part of the coveted 2021 class next offseason, will the Jazz make a move to get something out of Gobert before he might leave Utah? If the Jazz could get a younger piece that they feel like they could continue to build around like a possibly improved Markkanen, they might explore what else the Bulls could throw at them.