Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen feels extra motivation after he couldn’t reach an extension agreement with the organization by Monday’s deadline, Rob Schaefer of NBC Sports Chicago writes. “Obviously disappointing, I wanted to get a deal done,” he said. “But that happened, and we’re moving on, and I’m 100 percent committed to this team.”
Markkanen confirmed the sides were never near a deal after he struggled through an injury-marred season. “I don’t think it was very close,” Markkanen said. “I talked to (my agent) obviously a lot last couple days, and (the Bulls’ offer) just wasn’t something I would take, and that’s the end of it.”
We have more from the Central Division:
- As we noted, the Pistons remade their roster more than any team in the league. New GM Troy Weaver promises to continue making changes. “We are going to stay aggressive,” Weaver said, per Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports. Owner Tom Gores is confident that Weaver has the franchise on the right path. “He is concise in how he sees talent. He sees it on a micro-level,” Gores said. “I’ve met a lot of executives who know basketball. Troy is just on a whole different level.”
- The Pacers have officially hired Ted Wu as VP of Basketball Operations, according to a team press release. Wu worked eight years with the NBA league office, specializing in salary cap management. Wu will be the team’s capologist.
- The Pistons have a program that includes night sessions and extended practice sessions for players that would ordinarily be on their G League squad, coach Dwane Casey told Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press (Twitter link) and other media members. The Pistons had been affiliated with the Grand Rapids Drive but are switching to the newly-created Motor City Cruise in Detroit next season. They are not expected to participate in the G League bubble season in Atlanta.
- A strained calf will prevent Kevin Love from playing in the Cavaliers’ opener on Wednesday, Chris Fedor of the Cleveland Plain Dealer relays.
Surprised Markkanen didn’t get a deal. Fultz raked in a nice amount and this guy goes blank. Guess we’ll see how he does on the market, even if he’s restricted.
Larry Nance will start in Loves place
Sounds like maybe the new Bulls brass, and/or coach, don’t feel as highly about Lauri as Lauri feels about Lauri.
Oh well.
Markkanen is a nice talent. He’ll have plenty of suitors. I wasn’t a big fan of Bulls draft pick Williams. But Zi gotta say he’s looking pretty good. I’d say he’s got big upside. If he’s a hard worker and tuned in. Maybe that’s why they feel they can move Markkanen.
I’d move Markeneen…
Markeneen for Jaxson Hayes and a second rounder makes plenty of sense.
Would the Bulls settle for a trade like that? Surely they can do much better.
Markkanen for lonzo ball and 2nd round is better
I did think that but I think the Bulls like White.
Whereas Hayes is just into the second year of his deal and will be cheap and under team control for a few more seasons. Plus I rate his ability to improve. Think if the Bulls traded for him he would definitely get a lot more touches and have a lot better numbers
After a bad year and being injury plagued throughout his career, he doesn’t deserve a long term deal at his price.
I’d move Markkanen, he isn’t doing well in Chicago and we all know it.