Central Notes: Cavs’ Arena, Markkanen, Pistons

Approximately a week after announcing that they were pulling out of plans for a $140MM renovation project to Quicken Loans Arena, the Cavaliers indicated this week that they’ve recommitted to that project. The Cavs’ change of heart came on the heels of critics withdrawing petitions that would have required a referendum on the city of Cleveland’s contribution to the arena’s renovations, writes Karen Farkas of Cleveland.com.

With their commitment to the renovation project, the Cavs have also agreed to extend their lease at Quicken Loans Arena by an extra seven years, ensuring that the franchise will remain a tenant at the arena through 2034. Assuming construction on those renovations begins soon and stays on schedule, the Cavs may once again have a chance to host the 2020 or 2021 NBA All-Star Game, Farkas notes.

Here’s more from around the Central division:

• In a pair of pieces for NBA.com, Shaun Powell takes a look back at the offseason moves by the Bucks and Bulls, noting that Milwaukee continues to focus on developing its talented young core, while Chicago’s Jimmy Butler trade signals that the Bulls are also trying to make youth a priority.
• Speaking of that Butler trade, while many Bulls fans weren’t particularly fond of the return for their All-Star forward, rookie big man Lauri Markkanen is helping to ease that blow, according to Mike Schmitz of ESPN. As Schmitz details, the 20-year-old Markkanen has looked very impressive for Finland in Eurobasket play this offseason.
• Within his latest mailbag at Pistons.com, Keith Langlois discusses Stan Van Gundy‘s use of his bench, Eric Moreland‘s potential, the new arena in Detroit, and several other Pistons-related topics.