Chicago Bulls: 3 best potential sign-and-trade deals for Lauri Markkanen

There was a time not too long ago where many Chicago Bulls fans firmly believed Lauri Markkanen was the team’s best hope at returning to the playoffs. After all, he was the primary piece in the haul the Bulls received for sending out Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Turns out, Zach LaVine would become the star of that trade while Lauri’s stardom in Chicago gradually dwindled following a successful sophomore campaign. This situation ultimately culminated in Markkanen getting benched last season, in favor of the veteran Thaddeus Young.

Now, the Bulls have played their hand and dealt away Young for the rights to sign four-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan, while also signing coveted restricted free agents Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso.  Chicago looks to round out its roster for the upcoming season, but Markkanen’s future with the team still remains surprisingly undecided.

Although the Chicago Bulls have been big spenders in this summer’s free agency, they still have one major trade chip left in the form of Lauri Markkanen.

After a sign-and-trade to the San Antonio Spurs reportedly fell through due to Markkanen’s high asking price, we are left more confused than ever on just where the Finnish sharpshooter wants to play next season.

He could have earned a starting role with the Spurs, but seems to have stuck to his asking price largely in the same manner of Dennis Schroeder of the Los Angeles Lakers has this summer. These decisions could ultimately cost the pair tens of millions of dollars down the road, which is why finding an agreeable outcome for both parties is at the top of the priority sheet.

There is always the possibility Markkanen signs the qualifying offer for less money and a one-year deal, but I struggle to see why Markkanen’s agent would believe another year off the bench in Chicago would somehow increase his value.

For that reason, let’s take a look at my three favorites (and hopefully, realistic) sign-and-trade targets for Markkanen and the Bulls.