NBA rumors: 3 bold predictions for the Chicago Bulls in the 2021 NBA off-season

#1 The Chicago Bulls could let Lauri Markkanen walk away

Lauri Markkanen (#24) of the Chicago Bulls.

Chicago Bulls' Finnish power forward Lauri Markkanen will be a restricted free agent in the 2021 NBA off-season and could be headed to play elsewhere. Markkanen was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the 2017 NBA Draft (seventh pick) and has big offensive potential.

Knicks are “very high “on Lauri Markkanen Richuan Holmes Lonzo Gary Trent Jr
— Robert Randolph (@rrtfb) July 17, 2021

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Markkanen has not been consistent for the Chicago Bulls, though, thanks to his injury woes. Moreover, faith in him might have decreased during the 2020-21 NBA season, as coach Billy Donovan demoted him to the bench.

Throughout his NBA career, Markkanen has mostly been a starter for the Chicago Bulls. He had 170 appearances before the 2020-21 NBA season, starting all but one game. However, he only started 26 of his 51 games in the 2020-21 regular season.

He was efficient in offense, producing career highs in field-goal percentage and three-point percentage. Nevertheless, Markkanen might not have a spot with the Chicago Bulls next year, so the franchise might even decide to let him walk away with no compensation in return.

Of course, the franchise can offer him a one-year, $9-million qualifying offer, which would make a restricted free agent and open possibilities like a sign-and-trade.

A free agent the Wolves might surprisingly be interested in:“How about Lauri Markkanen?”@JonKrawczynski's new mailbag: https://t.co/hbm7x9Wy5s pic.twitter.com/Og5bevx3Jl
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) July 16, 2021

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Markkanen is reportedly unhappy with his role with the team and could be looking to play elsewhere if he is not a starter for the Chicago Bulls. Given the team's construction and salary cap, the franchise might be fine with Markkanen trying to develop with another franchise.