Despite rumors that Lauri Markkanen could be on his way out of the Windy City, it appears the Chicago Bulls are keen on keeping him around for another season.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, the Bulls have extended their $9 million qualifying offer to the Finnish sharpshooter, which now makes him a restricted free agent this offseason:
Sources: The Bulls have extended the qualifying offer to Lauri Markkanen, making him a restricted free agent. Markkanen is expected to have several suitors on the market.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 30, 2021
This is interesting, to say the least, with reports just a few months ago claiming the Bulls front office was all ears on potential trade offers for Markkanen. He is likely to have several offers in free agency, but this latest move by Chicago is a massive step in potentially keeping the former Arizona standout.
Markkanen averaged 13.6 points and 5.2 boards per game in 2020/21, which was certainly a downgrade from his 15.2 points and 7.5 rebounds in his rookie campaign just a few years prior. However, he did shoot a career-best 40.2% from three-point land.
The 24-year-old's lack of defensive ability remains a problem for the Bulls though, often being outplayed by opposing bigs. The fact that he hasn't necessarily improved over the course of his career to this point is also concerning, but Billy Donovan and the Bulls front office clearly see potential still.
Chicago will now be able to match any offer Markkanen receives in free agency, which begins on Monday.
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