Bulls Rumors: Maxi Kleber-Lauri Markkanen sign-and-trade forming?
Bulls rumors continue to persist regarding what the front office will do with the restricted free agent and fourth-year power forward Lauri Markkanen. Executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley made it pretty clear that Markkanen was not going to get the asking price he was looking for this offseason.
This time, it involves the Bulls looking into a potential sign-and-trade deal with the Dallas Mavericks, which could net a return of big man Maxi Kleber. According to a report from Tim Cato of The Athletic on Aug. 16, there is some mutual interest in sign-and-trade discussions between the Bulls and Mavs for a player swap of Markkanen and Kleber.
A deal like this would be good for the Bulls. And in a way, it would be good for the Mavs. But considering that Kleber has more proven production that he brings to the table on a consistent basis compared to Markkanen, this might be a hard move to seal for the Bulls.
The one major point of appeal for the Mavs with Markkanen would be the fit with the current personnel on hand and the higher ceiling. Markkanen could still be a quality starter in the NBA, which is something that would be hard to say for Kleber at any point of his career.
Bulls rumors keep going on concerning Lauri Markkanen and the Mavs
Kleber has only started in more than half of the regular season games he played in at one point of his career to date. Granted, that was last season. Markkanen was almost trending in the opposite direction, as he was moved to the bench for the first time in his career down the stretch last season.
It is clear that Markkanen needs a change of scenery. And the Mavs could be a good spot for him. Meanwhile, the Bulls would be getting the perfect piece to help round out the bench for head coach Billy Donovan heading into next season.
By far the biggest need for the Bulls remaining this offseason to fill lies at the four. And with Markkanen not looking to want to return next season, Kleber could be a nice replacement to solidify that portion of the rotation.
Next. 3 problematic scheme fits for Billy Donovan. dark
The Bulls are still about a month out from the start of Training Camp and the preseason. This team is currently about to take the court against the Charlotte Hornets in the final game of the Las Vegas NBA Summer League slate on Aug. 16.