2021-2022 MAVS NEWS: 4th in West | WCF loss [ARCHIVED]

[Kammrath]

https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bulls/...ster-spots

Is there any chance that there is already a verbal agreement for a sign-and-trade for Lauri and/or final signings to fill up remaining roster spots, but just not yet announced due to the ongoing tampering investigation? --- Gene Y.

I haven’t heard that. And I know talks surrounding Markkanen are ongoing. The only link I can see is that if the Bulls are found guilty and docked draft capital, it would increase their need to recoup some if they sign-and-trade Markkanen.

From Markkanen’s perspective, he didn’t return to his native Finland last offseason and trained here in Chicago, fully believing he’d sign a long-term extension with the Bulls. Then the two sides fell roughly $4 million apart annually in those discussions. Then management tried to trade him at the deadline. Then he lost his starting job....Markkanen isn’t a boat rocker. For him to even say as much he did in a postseason interview about being excited to explore the business side of basketball, and then strengthening it recently by telling that Finnish media outlet he wanted a fresh start, is a telling sign. He’s not lying.

With salary cap space dried up around the league — save for the Oklahoma City Thunder — Markkanen now needs the Bulls’ cooperation in a sign-and-trade. Thus, the Bulls have leverage and can be selective and demanding in their return. For now, they’ve made clear in all proposals they’ve fielded from teams — and I’m told up to four teams have presented scenarios — that they’re seeking at least a first-round pick and no bad long-term money.

For what it’s worth, my opinion is this: The Bulls have created a ton of positive momentum with their offseason moves. Why bring back a player who has made it clear he’d like to be elsewhere? To this point, the Bulls have turned down deals for Markkanen, who has had a sign-and-trade market. Maybe accept a less-than-perfect one to give both sides a fresh start, especially since it’s likely Markkanen would walk in unrestricted free agency next offseason.

It’s a fluid situation. Stay tuned.