Chicago Bulls: 3 realistic targets in a Lauri Markkanen sign-and-trade

Realistic trade targets in a Lauri Markkanen deal with the Chicago Bulls: Lonzo Ball

Amid the swirling discussion and trade rumors this offseason on the Bulls front you can find a ton of speculation regarding Markkanen and the New Orleans Pelicans point guard Lonzo Ball. And there’s a valid reason for that aforementioned speculation. The Bulls need a point guard, and Lonzo is about to hit restricted free agency.

The Pelicans are looking to reshape their roster around the likes of star forwards Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson this offseason, and the Bulls could help them accomplish that in a Markkanen trade.

It also sounds like Lonzo is a favorite point guard trade target of Karnisovas and the Bulls since about the trade deadline.

With Lonzo already sounding like a top point guard target for the Bulls this offseason, it’s worth a shot by the front office to see if they could strike a deal also involving Markkanen. Both 2017 first-round draft picks are impending restricted free agents that could draw a similar offer sheet heading into next season.

Lonzo gives the Bulls what they could need in a true starting point guard to form this top unit around with the likes of LaVine, star center Nikola Vucevic, rookie forward Patrick Williams, etc. And Markkanen could help the Pelicans get a refresh after what was a very disappointing result for them in the season that was.

This trade discussion between the Bulls and Pelicans, specifically involving Lonzo and Lauri, makes a lot of sense for all parties. It is something that could wind up happening for the Bulls to get Lonzo to Chicago this summer.