NEWSLETTER
Who has got that Mr. Krabs meme where the room is spinning and stuff?
Found it!
Yeah, this is basically how I feel at the end of a franchise-changing week of free agency.
I’m ready for things to slow down so I can digest what just happened and, hopefully, pump out some better content for y’all. First, however, I will need to catch up on some sleep this weekend! *grabs teddy bear and blanket*
• Things have not played out too well for Lauri Markkanen this summer. We have entered the fifth day of free agency and he is still without a fresh contract. Reports have already surfaced that he was not a part of the San Antonio Spurs sign-and-trade because he wanted too much money. Then, the Charlotte Hornets emerged as suitors, but it looks as if they opted to sign Kelly Oubre instead. The Athletic’s John Krawczynski also reiterated the Timberwolves’ interest in him earlier today, but he too implied that Markkanen has been asking for too much behind the scenes. There is still time for Markkanen to find himself a new home with some long-term security, but he will likely have to lower his demands by a good amount to really put things in motion.
Markkanen Wants a “Fresh Start” Outside of Chicagohttps://t.co/V5c01YfC16
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) August 6, 2021
• I’m all for betting on yourself. In that respect, I admire what Markkanen has done. But there is also value in understanding the market. If the kind of money Markkanen wants is not out there, he and his agent might as well pursue a more short-term opportunity where he can try to build his stock. Also, no one should be too surprised that teams are not willing to negotiate a sizable contract after Markkanen’s recent play. While he shot a career-high from the 3-point line this season, he also averaged his fewest points and rebounds of his career. Not to mention, Markkanen appeared in just 51 games last season, and he has not been able to play more than 52 games in a season since his rookie year.
• I don’t mean for this to sound too harsh, but it’s hard to sell yourself in free agency when the past two seasons have shown majority regression. Now, to be fair, some of that regression is not his fault. The Bulls never had a real point guard to play-make for Markkanen, he went through three coaches in his first four seasons, and the team traded for an All-Star center who makes for a horrible fit alongside him. I still believe in the right environment, Markkanen can be an impactful and winning player. Finding this environment, however, is going to be a challenge if he continues to view himself as a proven commodity.
• ESPN gave out some free agency superlatives, and the Bulls won the Best Value Contract award with their signing of Lonzo Ball. Funny enough, however, they were also handed the Worst Value Contract award thanks to the $85 million given to DeMar DeRozan. I’m still slightly buzzed off the hype, so I’m probably a bit biased, but I don’t think DeRozan will end up as the worst value signing this offseason. I understand why the case could be made for it – I wrote about how I expected people would view things this way the other day – but the guy is still a four-time All-Star who averaged roughly 21 points and 7 assists last season. Not to mention, the signing alone is about to do wonders for the team’s national perception and coverage. I think that at least has to be factored in a little.
• The Bulls still have a couple of roster spots open after re-signing Javonte Green this morning. Will anyone on this list find their way to Chicago?
Best available free agents:
PGs
R. Jackson
D. Schroder
B. Wanamaker
F. Ntilikina
D. Smith Jr.Wings
K. Leonard
J. Hart (R)
J. Ennis III
A. Bradley
H. Diallo (R)
JJ RedickBigs
P. Millsap
L. Markkanen (R)
D. Cousins
J. Vanderbilt (R)
H. Giles III
M. Scott
B. Biyombo— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) August 6, 2021
• I got to say, if the Bulls can somehow swing Lauri Markkanen to Minnesota and grab Jarred Vanderbilt back with a double sign-and-trade, I’d be happy. He may not offer much on offense, but Vanderbilt is a strong rebounder who plays with a ton of energy and a versatile defensive skill set. Worth a shot.
• Speaking of defense, Alex Caruso is going to help this Bulls team SO much.
Bulls fans if you are still wondering about Alex Caruso feast your eyes on this play here. *POA* pic.twitter.com/k7A4MUMSA7
— Larry Golden (@_LarroHoops) August 5, 2021
• Chicago has desperately needed a perimeter defender like Caruso for quite some time. I truly think his impact alone will lessen some of the concerns people have over this Bulls’ defense when the season starts. For example, while there are legitimate concerns about Nikola Vucevic’s rim-protection abilities, Caruso’s ability to attack the point of action and stick on a guy’s hip should help lessen the burden at times.
• Sidenote: I think Vooch’s defense is a tad better than some give his credit for too. He is a smart player with a lumbering presence who at least knows where to put his feet. He can’t help his natural lack of verticality and overall athleticism.
• MJ being MJ.
This Michael Jordan story about Luc Longley is ruthless
(via @AustralianStory) pic.twitter.com/PtbfQFlsa4
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 6, 2021
• Zach LaVine goes for gold tonight!
A preliminary round rematch for the #Tokyo2020 Olympic gold medal! 👊
🇺🇸 #USABMNT vs 🇫🇷 @FRABasketball
🗓️ Aug. 7 (local), Aug. 6 (US)
🕦 11:30 AM JST – 10:30 PM ET
📺 @peacockTV pic.twitter.com/48uQYW0y9R— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 5, 2021
