Chicago Bulls sign-and-trade deals to send Lauri Markkanen to the Mavs
Some big additions that head coach Rick Carlisle and the Mavericks could make to their rotation this offseason, if they’re serious about pursuing Markkanen, could come their way hypothetically in this particular trade deal. In this player swap, the Bulls ship off both Markkanen and veteran forward Thaddeus Young for a nice return from Dallas.
The Bulls would get underrated former Villanova Wildcats guard Jalen Brunson, underappreciated big man Dwight Powell, and Melli once again back from the Mavericks. There was a school of thought earlier this season in which the Mavericks could explore a Brunson trade depending on how he finished out the regular season.
Depending on what salary the Mavericks were able to get Markkanen for in this hypothetical sign-and-trade deal, the contracts could match up nicely between these two teams. None of the three players the Bulls would get here from the Mavericks have their contracts running up this offseason, so the roster could come together ahead of next season.
On the Mavericks side of this trade, getting two potential huge additions to the frontcourt rotation in Young and Markkanen would be really difficult to pass up. And the risk in trading for someone like Young would be low since he will be in the final year of his current contract next season. It could help them contender at a higher level out in the Western Conference.