Chicago Bulls: K.C. Johnson still thinks Lauri Markkanen will leave

The ongoing storyline that pretty much all Chicago Bulls fans have waited to play out throughout the entire cycle of free agency so far this offseason concerns the potential re-signing or dealing of fourth-year power forward Lauri Markkanen. As one of the most high-profile remaining restricted free agents, there are still constant discussions surrounding where Markkanen could land ahead of next season.

It would be a solid value for the Bulls if Markkanen came back on a qualifying offer that would pay him less than eight figures in average annual value. While it’s not likely that Markkanen would willingly play under any contract with the Bulls for longer than one year, it would still help to fill a need at the four if he returns next season.

But not everyone believes that Markkanen will still be back in Chicago heading into next season, despite the lack of a true market for him in free agency so far this offseason.

And that is with good reason, given some of Markkanen’s statements the past few weeks.

There aren’t many looming signs for the Chicago Bulls that a Lauri Markkanen deal is imminent

According to a report from K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago on Aug. 25, he feels that Markkanen is still destined to leave the Bulls. Although a sign-and-trade deal hasn’t formed yet for the Bulls’ front office involving Lauri, K.C. still believes that one is likely to happen ahead of the start of Training Camp on Sep. 28.

Johnson tabs the fact that Markkanen clearly stated he wants to leave Chicago, and more specifically wants a fresh start elsewhere, as why a sign-and-trade is still more likely than him playing with the Bulls next season. And he has a good point with the fact that Markkanen isn’t one to “rock the boat”.

Each passing day, it does feel like it moves closer and closer to a coin flip scenario as to whether Markkanen will play for the Bulls under a qualifying offer heading into next season. Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley are clearly still showing a ton of patience in waiting to see if a market opens up for a sign-and-trade here.

About the biggest positive to Markkanen returning for the Bulls next season would be the ability to fill that aforementioned need at the four. The Bulls need to add some numbers to the roster ahead of the start of Training Camp and the preseason.

The Bulls begin Training Camp in a little over one month. And the preseason slate is set to open up on Oct. 5 at home at the United Center against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Roughly two weeks after that, the Bulls will open up the regular season on the road against the Detroit Pistons.