Lauri Markkanen‘s future with the Bulls remains uncertain, as the former top-10 pick will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season and he could garner an offer sheet that Chicago won’t want to match. We previously reported that some around the league believe the franchise trading the power forward is a real possibility and Tim Bontemps of ESPN.com has additional details.
“I think they’d trade Markkanen if they get a good offer, but I don’t think they’re likely to trade him,” an East executive told Bontemps. “I don’t think they do anything unless they get something they love.”
The Bulls are focused on making the playoffs this season and that’s impacting their strategy leading up to the trade deadline as well as rotation in Chicago. Tomas Satoransky and Thaddeus Young recently supplanted Coby White and Wendell Carter in the starting lineup.
More NBA Trade Rumors
- The Hawks are expected to buyers leading up the trade deadline, Bontemps adds in the same piece. Atlanta is determined to make the postseason, though there’s not much optimism around the league that the franchise has enough assets to make a major move without including John Collins in a deal.
- Troy Brown Jr. is on the block in Washington and among the Wizards’ young available talent, the former No. 15 overall pick has the most value. Fred Katz and David Aldridge of The Athletic hear that Brown could net Washington a second-round pick or a young prospect.
- The Pistons are having discussions with other teams about a few of their veterans, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic writes. Wayne Ellington is widely known to be available and Detroit is entertaining trade talks for Delon Wright and Mason Plumlee. There are “whispers” that the Nets have interest in Plumlee, Edwards adds.
- ICYMI: The Knicks are among the teams with interest in Pacers’ center Myles Turner.
