Lauri Markkanen was once touted as one of the Chicago Bulls' potential building blocks for the future. But with a new-look roster centered around Zach LaVine and two other veteran All-Stars, it appears the sweet shooting big man has been the odd man out.

There has been no shortage of rumors surrounding where Markkanen is headed. However, Lauri's biggest enemy appears to be the Bulls themselves. The franchise holds most of the leverage over Markkanen as most teams would need a sign-and-trade to facilitate a move for him.

Chicago has been adamant that anyone who wants a deal with Markkanen would need to pony up an asset such as a first-round pick. They'd also need to look for a third team to take on salary in exchange for the Finnish product, as the Bulls don't want to take on any more additional salary on their books. That's a heavy price to pay for an uncertain commodity in Lauri Markkanen.

Article Continues Below
More Chicago Bulls News
Paul Pierce praises Thunder's Chet Holmgren with Scottie Pippen comparison
Paul Pierce praises Thunder’s Chet Holmgren with Scottie Pippen comparisonJulian Ojeda ·
Grading Cavs-Bulls Lonzo Ball trade
Grading Cavs-Bulls Lonzo Ball tradeJulian Ojeda ·
Noa Essengue stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the 12th pick by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Buzelis
Bulls’ Noa Essengue draws Pascal Siakam comparisonZachary Howell ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) defends Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) during the first quarter at United Center.
Bill Simmons piles on Bulls for Lakers tradePreston Byers ·
Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) reacts toward an official after an offensive foul as Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) holds him back at FedExForum. White received a technical foul.
Bulls GM teases offseason plans with list of players ‘all coming back’Scotty White ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) drives the ball against Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
Bulls labeled ‘unserious franchise’ for Lakers draft tradeJulian Ojeda ·

Via Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer:

“Chicago is playing this masterfully from no other perspective than a contract management standpoint,” said one team capologist. “It won't do any favors relationship-wise, but they're bleeding his market based on their tax situation, and nobody else can offer him any kind of money without them.”

The end result may have Lauri Markkanen accepting the qualifying offer from the Bulls and playing out the season. But the offseason is a long way from over, and teams may still pounce on him when it's all said and done.