Chicago Bulls Rumors: Lauri Markkanen has a few confirmed suitors

When NBA free agency opens up in what amounts to just a few hours now, the Chicago Bulls will look a whole lot different. The Bulls are going to make some moves, and make them right away.

Aside from establishing a point guard of the future, the Bulls will have decisions to make on some of their own. One guy they have to figure out, in particular, is forward Lauri Markkanen.

The Bulls extended a qualifying offer to Markkanen, but they will likely attempt to sign-and-trade him. If they can get something in return for a guy who is bound to leave them, the Bulls should do so.

Recently, HoopsHype has learned of three confirmed suitors for Markkanen. The Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs will all be in the market to try and lure Markkanen from Chicago.

The inevitable is clear: Lauri Markkanen will move on from the Chicago Bulls once free agency begins.

Now that the Bulls know of three teams which desire to sign Markkanen, they may be able to work out a possible sign-and-trade.

After four years in Chicago, Markkanen will be finding a new home very shortly. The former Arizona standout shot a career-best from long distance last year (40.2 percent) but also saw his production dip elsewhere.

In his second year with the Bulls, Markkanen averaged almost 19 points and 9.0 rebounds. The Bulls saw a much more aggressive Markkanen in his sophomore year, but then-head coach Jim Boylen toned down the approach for his young forward in the coming season.

Markkanen became less aggressive and was essentially told to just shoot outside shots and jumpers, while attacking the hoop became a thing of the past. No longer did Markkanen produce in the paint or see his rebounding numbers towards double digits.

Last year, Markkanen still didn’t revert to his aggressive former self, as he posted only 5.3 rebounds per game — a career low.

The Bulls probably want to move forward with someone like Patrick Williams as their primary power forward, or potentially shifting between the three and four. Markkanen has not been a fit, and will hopefully find success elsewhere in a fresh start.

The last time the Bulls had a bigger decision in regards to a qualifying offer was back when Zach LaVine was a restricted free agent, and they almost saw the Sacramento Kings sign him away.

With Markkanen’s situation, the Bulls could end up coming out on top if they receive the green light on a sign-and-trade. The only question becomes, what is Markkanen worth in that type of deal? It’s very possible the Bulls get an asset like a late first-rounder or even a protected first. If that’s the case, Chicago should pull the trigger.