Is Former Wildcat Lauri Markkanen on his way out of Chicago?

CHICAGO, IL – With the 2019-20 NBA Season likely over, could former Wildcat Lauri Markkanen be on his way out of Chicago?

With league shutdown still in full effect for the NBA, many organizations and players are already posturing towards next year. One player that is doing just that is former Wildcat Lauri Markkanen.

Now completing his third season in Chicago, things are certainly not all rainbows and butterflies in the Windy City for the Finnish forward, as Markkanen has been vocal in recent weeks about his utilization with the Bulls.

Arizona Wildcats

While not shy about his criticisms, he has joined a few others in voicing their frustration with the direction of the organization, and could possibly be eyeing a change of scenery.

Since joining the league, many had high hopes for Lauri as he was drafted No. 7 overall by Minnesota, before ultimately being traded to Chicago.

His first season was a rather successful one, as the then rookie appeared in 68 games for the Bulls, averaging 15.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, priming himself for an even bigger second year in the league.

But then things got a little derailed, as Lauri missed the first 30 games due to injury. Coming back stronger than ever, he wasted no time in getting to work, as he finished the year averaging 18.7 points and 9.0 rebounds per game.

Perhaps year three would then be the break out year? Year three would be his worst yet, starting in all 50 games that he appeared in, Markkanen’s stats and utilization were down. This year, the former Wildcat was averaging 14.7 points and 6.3 rebounds, while shooting less from the field.

Not quite the direction you want to go if you’re a guy like Markkanen who initially showed so much promise when first coming into the league.

The likely move will be that Chicago may make a coaching change, or will have to restructure their roster to replace Lauri, who was thought to be a foundational piece to their team!

Either way, we are just hoping for a happy Markkanen, because our former Wildcat is far too talented to be wasted. As always, Bear Down, Arizona!