The Bulls and Lauri Markkanen continue to work toward a contract extension, though barring a “dramatic change” the two sides won’t reach an agreement before today’s deadline, writes K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago.
There remains a significant gap between the two sides. Chicago is pushing for a team-friendly deal given that the Markkanen took a step back during the 2019-20 season. Johnson adds that the power forward may have to take a hometown discount in order to put pen to paper prior to the start of the 2020-21 campaign. What that hometown discount looks like isn’t clear.
Should the Bulls not strike a deal with Markkanen before the deadline, the former No. 7 overall pick will hit the restricted free agent market during the 2021 offseason. The 23-year-old averaged 18.7 points and 9.0 rebounds during his-injured shortened 2018-19 season, though his figures took a step back last year.
Chicago has a new regime in the front office and a new coach on the bench with Billy Donovan leading the team. Markannen should have a significant role on the squad this year, though where he stands within the franchise’s long-term plans may not be decided until after the season.
