The Bulls and Lauri Markkanen are open to working out a sign-and-trade deal that would send him to a new team, league sources tell Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Chicago issued Markkanen a qualifying offer this week that will ensure he’s a restricted free agent, giving the team some leverage in negotiations.
Scotto identifies the Timberwolves – who have long been on the hunt for a power forward – as one team to watch as a possible sign-and-trade destination for Markkanen. The Spurs and Thunder are also among the teams with Markkanen on their radar, per Scotto. San Antonio and Oklahoma City would have the cap flexibility necessary to issue Markkanen an offer sheet without giving up an asset in a sign-and-trade if they’re confident Chicago won’t match.
Here are a few more updates on free agency from Scotto:
- Following a strong season in New York, free agent big man Nerlens Noel is expected to draw interest from the Raptors, Knicks, Pistons, and Kings, writes Scotto.
- The Raptors and Pistons should have a little cap flexibility and will likely look to the free agent market to address the center position. Scotto reiterates that Jarrett Allen and Richaun Holmes are on Toronto’s radar, and names Kelly Olynyk as a potential Detroit target. Some people around the league believe Olynyk will end up signing a deal worth $10-12MM per year, Scotto adds.
- Despite mutual interest in a new deal between the Hawks and Lou Williams, the three-time Sixth Man of the Year will receive interest from other clubs, including the Pacers and Bucks, says Scotto. Williams is seeking a multiyear deal.
Kemba to bulls for Mark and Aminu
No chance the bulls will land kemba
We don’t want him, he is too old too slow too injured. Get Lonzo, even if it costs 75/3 he is young healthy and gets better every year. Bulls have plenty of cap space to boot.
Land Kemba? Why would they take him after Boston dumped him on OKC? The new “process” is taking on bad contracts in exchange for first round picks. Somehow they think this will make the Thunder a competitive team someday in the distant future.
We’ll that trade can’t work unless it’s separate trades. But how much are you paying Markkanen? Aminu is like 9M. You have to fit 34M so.
Are thunder throwing in some first rounders as well? Otherwise hell no.
Not worth OKCs time unless they love markkanen
I would like to see the Pistons go after D. Howard strong. He could really help solidify the back up c spot amd give this young team a nice veteran presence.
Or Spurs or thunder just sign him with space. No real incentive for them to do ST unless Chicago offers something.
Presumably the incentive is that Chicago can match any offer, since giving him a QO made him an RFA. But yeah, does seem like of someone makes him an offer, it doesn’t leave the Bulls with much leverage to get a lot back in a sign and trade.
Wolves don’t have good assets to trade for Lauri, it would need a third team
Markkanen best place is probably Spurs. Minny is interesting, but not excatly a recipe for interior D. With Markkanen and KAT. Been saying for yrs Minny should start Noel next to KAT. 10 n 10 guy easily with solid D (30 mins). Team chemistry and mix n match. Is also very important. Noel deserves a payday. We can’t afford to pay him to backup. Wish him best. He’s a solid team guy.
Bucks should be all over Lou Williams. Just too Perfect to me.
Why are there good strip clubs in Milwaukee?
It’s not about the strip clubs, just great hot wings. Lol
Markkanen would b a really good fit with the Spurs. They have so many wings and besides Poeltl zero bigs on the same timeline as the young wings.
Lou to the bucks would fit really well.
Bulls need a true PG so White can b a Lou Will type for them.
TWolves in my opinion need to stay the course. They’ve done ok in the draft. They need to stop trying to fit square pegs in round holes. Stay young. Keep building. Minnesota is not a free agent destination. They need to build thru the draft. Quit giving up draft picks.
OKC also needs to quit giving up picks. Selling Houston the pick for Sengun was terrible. OKC needed Sengun just as bad as Houston. Poku is a 4 not a 5. A Poku, Sengun from court would of been fun to watch. Not like they r winning for 2 more years anyways.
“Scotto identifies the Timberwolves – who have long been on the hunt for a power forward – as one team to watch as a possible sign-and-trade destination for Markkanen.”
TOO BAD the Timberpuppies couldn’t have drafted him in 2017 with the 7th overall pick in the draft.
WAIT
CHECK THAT
THEY DID – but traded him away, you say??
Well, at least the Timberpuppies in return got JUSTIN PATTON, who was picked by the Bulls at #16 in exchange. A quick review of Patton’s career stats & travels will reveal the intelligence of that move!!
IF the Timberpuppies ARE able to add Markkanen, it would surely result in a rise in game attendance due to increased fan support from the………………..
MINNESOTA FINNS !!
Why do you even follow this team. Unfortunate to let such negativity consume you.
I am a perfectionist.
Impossible to ignore Timberpuppies level of
Ineptitude since 1989.
I promise you Darko Markannen is not worth getting this upset over lol
Sign and trade with Chicago us sending Culver and a 2nd rounder next year for Markkanen
No one wants Culver he was available all draft for a 2nd.
Yeah but those butterburgers are scrumptious.
Bulls should pull a sign and trade with the Spurs, Markkanen for Lonnie Walker..
I actually really like Walker, and tend to think he’s still got some potential he hasn’t yet tapped into. I think he’d fit great alongside the Bulls new core moving forward.
I’m just afraid its.going to end up being Markkanen to the Wolves for Rubio, after the Bulls aren’t able to land Lonzo Ball../: