A discussion that was looking to heat up last week concerning the Chicago Bulls and restricted free agent/fourth-year power forward Lauri Markkanen has calmed down in the past few days. The Bulls weren’t able to get any sign-and-trade deals done throughout the thick of the free agency negotiation window for Markkanen, and he still hasn’t found his next home yet.
The last we heard concerning the Markkanen sign-and-trade talk concerned the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves. But as the rest of the NBA landscape gets rosters set ahead of the start of Training Camp and the preseason, the Bulls still have a lot of holes to fill in the rotation. Markkanen remains a good option to fill a backup role at the four next season.
According to the “Ask Sam Mailbag” on the Bulls’ team website this weekend, bringing Markkanen back sounds like an increasingly viable move that would make sense for the front office. A sign-and-trade deal still feels more likely than anything else, given how Markkanen wants a fresh start heading into next season, but the market for him isn’t that great.
Chicago Bulls don’t have much progress to speak of with Lauri Markkanen
According to @tim_cato, the Chicago Bulls are interested in forward Maxi Kleber in a potential sign and trade with the Dallas Mavericks involving Lauri Markkanen. https://t.co/vO8TCmG2zD
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) August 16, 2021
To say the very least, there’s a pretty big lack of suitors for Markkanen at this point of the offseason. And with the preseason now roughly six weeks away from opening up for the Bulls, a decision needs to be made soon on behalf of both parties involved (Markkanen and the front office).
If the Bulls don’t get Markkanen back under a qualifying offer next season, then there aren’t many other solid options available to fill the need as a backup four. It looks like the four-time All-Star and veteran power forward Paul Millsap has interest in teams that aren’t the Bulls at this point of the offseason, which could take one more viable option off the board in Chicago.
Veteran Paul Millsap is still out there in free agency. Have heard both Golden State and Brooklyn are interested, per source.
— Mike Singer (@msinger) August 20, 2021
This waiting game between the Bulls and Markkanen likely has to see something play out in the next week or two. Before the Bulls officially reconvene for Training Camp next month, you would expect something in store for Lauri (whether it be a sign-and-trade or a qualifying offer in Chicago).
The Bulls are set to open up the preseason slate at home at the United Center on Oct. 5 against the Central Division foe Cleveland Cavaliers. And then, head coach Billy Donovan and the Bulls open up the regular season slate on the road on Oct. 20 against the Detroit Pistons.