Chicago Bulls: 5 moves to make following Arturas Karnisovas hire

3. Trade Lauri Markkanen and Thaddeus Young

Remember, there are folks out there who believe “no player is safe,” including former player Will Perdue, who stated that recently on a radio show.

We do not know whether or not Lauri Markkanen regressed because of something he could control, or due to the coaching style and scheme of Boylen. It could be either one, but Markkanen should still have some decent enough trade value.

Even just a couple of years ago, the Bulls traded Nikola Mirotic for a first-round pick. If they can deal Markkanen for a first rounder, that’s a win.

Wait a second, didn’t I just say that this year’s draft class is nothing spectacular? Yes I did. That’s why Markkanen is one piece of the puzzle. It’s not the pick that’s important, it’s clearing as much salary as possible, and there has to be a general manager out there who would trade a later first for Markkanen.

In addition to trading Markkanen, dealing Thaddeus Young should be a priority as well. Whether or not he’s included in the deal with Markkanen would be for the brass to figure out. But, it’s clear Young never fit with the Bulls and his $14 million salary would feel great to see off the books.

Altogether, the Bulls could clear roughly $47 million by trading these three guys.