When the NBA free agency period began, it was pretty much assumed that forward Lauri Markkanen would not return to the Chicago Bulls.
From the get-go, it seemed as though the most likely scenario would end up being a sign-and-trade which sent Markkanen out of Chicago. Over the first week of free agency, not much has happened with Markkanen, though.
Over the last 48 hours, Markkanen has seemed to make it clear that his desire is in fact to leave Chicago. The restricted free agent was given his tender by the Bulls, but at this stage, he will probably find a new home sooner or later.
Just two days ago, Markkanen told a Finnish media outlet that he wanted a fresh start with a new team. That all but stamped his ticket out of the Windy City.
The Lauri Markkanen, Chicago Bulls free agency saga just took another step towards a divorce.
While the Bulls were likely open to Markkanen returning as one of their primary backups, he doesn’t seem to like that idea. Chicago will move forward with second-year pro and last year’s no. 4 overall pick, Patrick Williams, as their starter at the power forward position.
Markkanen’s displeasure for the Bulls is now on full display as he has unfollowed the team across his social media platforms (Twitter and Instagram). He has also removed anything Chicago-related in his bios.
If that doesn’t send a clear message, nothing will. He has made it very apparent he would like to be dealt — and that’s the most likely scenario to happen.
Most recently, it was reported that the New Orleans Pelicans were interested in Markkanen.
The Pelicans make sense due to the fact that they have a fairly large trade exception (upwards of $17 million) they could use on Markkanen.
The fact Markkanen has serious interest from the Pelicans is a positive for the Bulls. Markkanen told that previously-mentioned news outlet that he has had some teams show interest, and now that one of them is out there, things could move rather quickly.
If Chicago can get a deal done, ideally they would net a first-round pick. If there are multiple bidders for a sign-and-trade, the Bulls very well could end up with a first rounder. That would be ideal, since the Bulls have given up three in the next few drafts.
Speaking of sign-and-trades, the Bulls are also currently under investigation for tampering during their pursuit of Lonzo Ball, ironically of the New a Orleans Pelicans as well.
Going forward, the Bulls and Pelicans could see plenty of news and action between their respective franchises. Hopefully, for the Bulls’ sake, it ends with Ball officially in Chicago and Markkanen on his way out.
