The 2021 NBA trade deadline is approaching in just a couple of days and the rumors are flying. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Chicago Bulls are listening to suitors for their young star player. The Bulls may push to trade Lauri Markkanen before the 25th in order to collect assets and potentially move in another direction. Markkanen was selected with the 7t overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Sources tell NBA insider @ShamsCharania that teams have expressed interest in Bulls F Lauri Markkanen and Chicago is listening to suitors.
?: https://t.co/x6tuvp3wx2 pic.twitter.com/Mw2VpuxLjK
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) March 23, 2021
Over the course of his three-year career, Markkanen has put up an average of 16.3 points and 7.4 rebounds a game. The Bulls have not been in Playoff contention for quite some time, and are looking for opportunities to bring quality basketball back to Chi-Town. Injuries have plagued the young player from Finland for his NBA career. Recently, Markkanen returned from a shoulder injury he suffered in February. His production has left something to be desired in the last few games, but this may not reflect reality.
Players this season such as James Harden and possibly Blake Griffin have stifled their play in order to speed certain processes up. It is becoming a player’s league more and more, as it should, and that means players withdrawing their labor, or not put in as much effort. Markkanen is going to be a valuable asset that the Bulls should be able to offload if they truly want to. As Thursday approaches, there are sure to be more rumors and even deals come to fruition.
Some teams prepare for the Playoffs and others prepare for the Lottery.
