Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen is eager to get a rookie scale extension done before the December 21 deadline, K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago tweets. Markkanen said on Tuesday he’s pushing his agent, Michael (Boris) Lelchitski, to reach an agreement. “I really want to be here long-term so I’m putting some pressure on (my agent) to get (an extension) done,” he said. De’Aaron Fox, Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell and Bam Adebayo are the other members of Markkanen’s draft class who have already reached extension agreements.
We have more from the Central Division:
- Pacers guard Victor Oladipo has been the subject of trade rumors but he insists he didn’t ask to be dealt, according to Eric Woodyard of ESPN (Twitter link). “I never came out and said that I didn’t want to play for the Pacers or be in this organization,” he said. Oladipo, who said he think he’s much healthier than he was last season, added that he feels pressure to prove that he’s still an All-Star caliber player. “It feels like the world (is) on my back and I’ve got to make sure I hold it up,” he said.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to meet with the Bucks this week, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN (video link). The two-time MVP’s decision whether to sign a super-max extension or test the free agent market next offseason looms as the biggest story of the preseason.
- The Cavaliers have hired Greg Buckner as an assistant coach, Chris Fedor of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. Buckner has a history with head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, as they worked together on the Rockets and Grizzlies coaching staffs.
- New coach Billy Donovan’s plans for Markkanen, Zach LaVine and Wendell Carter Jr. are among the questions looming over the Bulls as they open training camp, Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic writes.
markkanen no, valentine no, porter jr no, carter jr maybe, lavine yes, white yes, young yes, satoransky yes, feliciano no no, gafford yes, hutchinson maybe
Lauris coming back with a vengeance this year. And i think he’ll take a team friendly deal. Id like to keep him.
I’d make 60 million extension offer to Lauri
I guess Kuzma wants 60 million extension contract
Beasley gets 60 million
I’d guess Lakers want free agent Kawhi, George and Giannis so they won’t offer anything to Kuzma
Lol Kuzma can ask for whatever he wants, but no way he gets $60 million.
Small towns can offer him handsome contract
You get less from big market
Kuzma PER – 12.25 , 228th in the league.
He’s not getting $60 mil.
Markkanen, LaVine, Carter all talented. Why they didn’t take Halliburton I don’t get. These guys need someone to get them the ball. Make the gm easier. That’s what an offense and real PGs do. They could of even started him with. Williams is a talent who long term might be the right pick. But Deni and Okoro could play now. Both have as bright a future if not better. When you have three talented players. You’d think you get them what they need most. A true big high IQ PG. Bulls went BPA in their eyes. But his best playing days are 4 yrs from now. Where Halliburton could of gotten this team in Playoffs. And now they are a prime destination for a FA signing. Markkanen is a big time talent. They should resign him. But more important they should get him a facilitator.
Yes, better if bulls picked okoro,haliburton,or avdija.haliburton is my favorite.bulls has no playmaker pg.coby not pure pg.he is combo guard. But decision was taken.i hope patrick williams can be a great player.and im so sad when they didnt re sign kriss dunn.he is bulls best defender.