Chicago Bulls: One signing means Lauri Markkanen could stay put

Over the course of this week, the Chicago Bulls have completely made over their roster. Vice President Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley have put together quite the string of moves throughout NBA free agency.

The Bulls have brought in point guard Lonzo Ball, guard Alex Caruso, wing DeMar DeRozan and center Tony Bradley to go with their core of Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic and Patrick Williams.

The one player remaining after the Bulls have moved a few of their own in the process is forward Lauri Markkanen, who has yet to receive an offer sheet from another team.

The Bulls extended a qualifying offer to Markkanen, which means he could stay in Chicago if no other team signs him to a larger deal. As of Thursday night, it looked like the Charlotte Hornets were very interested in signing Markkanen. However, the Hornets made another move Thursday night which could take them out of the running for Markkanen.

The Chicago Bulls could keep Lauri Markkanen after Kelly Oubre Jr. signed with the Charlotte Hornets.

The Hornets were interested in both Markkanen and Kelly Oubre Jr., but came to an agreement with the latter late Thursday night. Oubre’s deal is expected to exceed $12 million per year.

Charlotte will likely have to pass on Markkanen now that they signed Oubre, meaning that Markkanen once again has zero serious suitors at the moment. This could end up keeping Markkanen in Chicago for one more year, which actually might not be the worst idea for the Bulls.

With Williams the presumed starter at four now, that moves Markkanen to the bench. Chicago’s primary bench players will now be Caruso, Markkanen and Coby White. Add in the newly-signed Bradley in the front court, and the Bulls are fairly deep.

Markkanen staying put also means the Bulls could have a very tradable asset before next season’s trade deadline. With being on a 1-year deal and coming off the bench, Markkanen will be playing for his future. Anytime a young player is playing on a 1-year contract, they’re bound to be more motivated than ever.

In this case, Markkanen will probably also be demoted, in a sense. Coming off the bench will be new for him, and will push him even more so. If Markkanen relishes his new role in Chicago, the Bulls could have an attractive trade chip this coming season. Then, they would be able to get something in return for a player they’ll likely move on from next offseason.

Last season, Markkanen averaged the fewest points and rebounds per game he’s had since entering the league. However, he shot a career-high 48 percent from he field and over 40 percent from beyond the arc. If he continues to show efficiency from the field, Markkanen would fetch the Bulls a strong return at the deadline this year.