The Bulls could be looking to make some major changes.
“There’s a growing belief around the league” Chicago is open to trading everyone on its roster except forwards Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter Jr., according to a report from The Athletic, which cites unidentified sources familiar with the team’s plans.
The Bulls finished 2018-19 with a 22-60 record and missed the playoffs for a second straight season. They hold the No. 7 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, which is set for June 20, and are also looking to upgrade at point guard.
“We have to get better at that position, there’s absolutely no question in my mind,” Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations John Paxson said last month. “Kris (Dunn) is going to have opportunity because he’s under contract, but we understand as an organization that’s a position that if we’re to make a step in the right direction, that we’re going to have to address.”
The Bulls could look to move Dunn this summer, although his “trade value is low to nonexistent," multiple league executives told the Chicago Tribune in May. They also may be willing to deal guard Zach LaVine.
Markkanen and Carter, meanwhile, are considered the cornerstones of the Bulls’ rebuild. Markkanen, a stretch forward, averaged 18.7 points and 9.0 rebounds while shooting 36.1% from 3-point range last season.
"I know everyone says they have to work on everything, but I definitely am going to get my body ready for a longer season, hopefully a postseason also. I said before the season my goal is to play all 82, so I'm definitely going to work on my body to get it ready and work on the court as well," Markkanen said in April, via NBA.com. "There are a lot of things I have to do better. But being consistent is the biggest part and how can I do it every night.”
Carter was the No. 7 pick in the 2018 draft and had a promising rookie season for Chicago.
The Bulls have been linked to Lakers guard Lonzo Ball. Grizzlies guard Mike Conley will also reportedly be available this offseason.