Chicago Bulls: Why the team shouldn’t trade Zach LaVine

Reason #3: Bulls delaying LaVine trade could help in offseason

For Bulls fans, it’s not just LaVine who they may not see at home on the United Center court next year. There are also lots of rumors swirling around forward Lauri Markkanen, and whether he will be back for the 2021-22 season.

Markkanen will be a restricted free agent going into this offseason. He failed to reach a deal with the Bulls during the short NBA offseason last December. He’s had an up and down year so far and is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury.

It’s a tough break, but in terms of the contract offer he will likely receive this summer, it doesn’t seem worth it for the Bulls to match the offer sheet Markannen could get from another team. This is especially true if he’s making more than LaVine annually.

DWC’s Ethan McDougall wrote this great piece breaking down the numbers regarding Markannen’s scoring, rebounding, and defense. It does a far better job than I could of arguing why the Finnish forward isn’t worth $20 million per year.

The Bulls could hold on to LaVine and hope Markkanen signs a big offer sheet elsewhere so they can part ways. The team may also be without forward Otto Porter Jr., who’s an unrestricted free agent after this season.

If the Bulls want to rebuild from this position, they have that option clearly available by trading LaVine. But they could also bring in veteran free agents around LaVine to help the Bulls be more competitive. Delaying a LaVine trade now may give the Bulls more options down the line.