Teams have expressed interest in fourth-year forward Lauri Markkane, and the Bulls are listening to those inquiries, sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic. Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report also indicated that Chicago seems willing to discuss Markkanen.
Markkanen remains on his rookie contract and is having arguably the best offensive season of his career, averaging 17.7 PPG on 6.0 RPG on .483/.396/.831 shooting in 22 games (30.0 MPG).
However, Fischer notes that Markkanen’s injury history and inconsistent performance on defense clouds his trade value. The Bulls have an 8-14 record when Markkanen has played this year and has a -5.2 net rating when he’s on the court. Chicago’s record is 11-9 in games the forward has missed and the team has a +1.4 net rating when he’s off the court.
Additionally, Markkanen is due for a significant raise in restricted free agency this summer. Sources tell Bleacher Report that the Bulls offered a preseason extension in the neighborhood of $15MM annually, but that there was a sizeable gap between that figure and how Markkanen’s representatives view the 23-year-old’s value. K.C. Johnson of NBA Sports Chicago suggests (via Twitter) the gap was about $4MM per year.
As Fischer notes, the belief is that if the Bulls make any deals prior to Thursday’s deadline, they’ll be trying to improve their playoff chances rather than piece off their roster. A previous report indicated that Chicago is more likely to trade Markkanen than Thaddeus Young, who has played a crucial role for the club this season.
Fischer also previously reported that the Bulls and Pelicans had discussed a potential deal involving Markkanen and Lonzo Ball, but said those talks didn’t appear substantial.
4 years $80 million guy?
can shoot
can’t create his own space to shoot
Play a little defense
Can’t rebound
Seems steep but if you comp him to Gallinari, it’s in line. Gal got two 3/60ish contracts back to back.
Lonzo would demand $100 million
Lonzo
3 pt 39% on 8 attempts
Spot up shooter, can’t play a lick of defense or pass.
I would not be mad if the Sixers traded for him. Contract is easy to match salary wise. 1st and 2 2nds. Hed help stretch the floor even more for the 2nd unit. Still have the ability to pick up someone on the BO market.
I’d do it for like Mike Scott and either Maxey, Mattise, or first, plus a second for him. Idk if Bulls like that.
Gallo is better then this Dirk knockoff but I can see the comparison. Idk if anyone but Lauri’s people value him like that rn
Lauri and Carter Jr. need to be dealt and the Bulls could move forward…
Lauri and White for Wiseman
Who says no?
GSW bc they would have to pay Lauri
GSW says no.
Lauri was just a younger Mirotic, same skill set, same ceiling, not sure why the bulls drafted him if they already had that player, same thing with Carter jr, you had Portis, well garpax is “gone” so hopefully they make better decisions going forward, unless the rumors are true and Paxson is the guy making moves behind the scenes
Exactly my thoughts when they drafted him. I am glad to finally see the stats in print that verify my repeated statement that he just does not fit this team. They were much better when he was out injured. His “potential” has not played out, he has had several seasons to show what he’s got and the answer is : not a lot, he is just a less-talented JJ Redick. Guys who stand around the 3point line waiting for the ball are a dime a dozen. 7 footers who play like 6 footers are a liability.
If they can get value for him, they should. If they can’t, they should cut loose and use the roster space on a decent point guard.
where have you heard paxson is the guy making moves?
QAnon.
No deal