With most of the Bulls rumors that were previously running rampant now settled, a lot of the focus turns to how head coach Billy Donovan will actually construct this rotation heading into next season. Chicago does still have one more player, though, that is sitting available on the free agent market that likely won’t return next season.
Restricted free agent and fourth-year power forward Lauri Markkanen does not look like he wants to return to the Bulls next season. But the market for him isn’t too solid at this point. It looks like the most likely scenario for Markkanen and the Bulls this offseason is a sign-and-trade to deal him out to another team.
Bulls rumors pegging the Mavs and Timberwolves as top Lauri Markkanen suitors
There’s now a handful of teams that seem to have interest in signing Markkanen this summer. A trio of teams to watch include the Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New Orleans Pelicans. While the Mavs seem like the most likely team to get Markkanen in a sign-and-trade, it’s worth watching those other two potential suitors for the seven-footer.
The Timberwolves, in particular, would be an interesting suitor for Markkanen. At the outset of the offseason, it appeared that the Timberwolves would not be the best landing spot for Markkanen to further his development. But he’s starting to really run out of options if he doesn’t want to return to the Bulls.
And the likelihood that he lands with the Pelicans is pretty slim considering the Bulls already pulled off a sign-and-trade to get point guard Lonzo Ball into the mix.
So, if the Bulls were to get into talks with the Timberwolves for a sign-and-trade involving Markkanen, what players could this team get in return?