The Chicago Bulls finally parted ways with Lauri Markkanen after an offseason full of rumors regarding the big man. Markkanen was dealt to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a three-team trade involving the Portland Trail Blazers as well. However, it appears that the Minnesota Timberwolves had been checking in on Markkanen for quite some time, according to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. 

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Plain and simple, the Wolves did not want to meet that asking price for Markkanen. With rumors swirling about a potential Ben Simmons trade, perhaps Minnesota is more inclined to pay a steep price for Simmons. Either way, the dream of a Markkanen and Karl-Anthony Towns pairing is out the window as he now heads to the Cavs.

The Wolves have been awfully quiet in the offseason, which is surprising considering they finished with the third-worst record in the Western Conference. But, the roster including D'Angelo Russell, Anthony Edwards, and Towns should work out at some point– even more if they do end up acquiring Simmons.

The Wolves could have paid that price for Markkanen if they wanted to, but their desire to stand pat seems to imply that they have their sights set elsewhere. Could it really be a Ben Simmons blockbuster?