Could Kings Get Markkanen After Bulls Front Office Changes?

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 08: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls stands on the cout during a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on January 08, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 08: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls stands on the cout during a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on January 08, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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There are changes coming to the Chicago Bulls front office. How might that affect the Sacramento Kings and their plans for the offseason?

According to a report from Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Chicago Bulls have started a formal search process to hire a new executive with full authority on basketball operations. While the NBA calendar is on hold and we’re unsure of when the actual offseason will begin, the move by the Bulls could open up a window for the Sacramento Kings to potentially add some talent.

When executive changes happen in sports, the new guy in charge often likes to clean house to a certain extent and make his new mark on the franchise from his first day on the job. Chicago has a slew of young talent on its roster, which could make for a busy summer/fall for whoever the Bulls choose to be their new head honcho.

So how could the Kings benefit from an executive change by a team in the opposite conference?

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There are a few players on Chicago’s roster that Sacramento could be interested in. While De’Aaron Fox was the clear choice for the Kings in the 2017 NBA Draft, Lauri Markkanen is a player that could potentially fit the mold. He had a regression last season, but he has the ability to be the floor stretching big man that the Kings desperately need. He fits in well with the timeline of Sacramento’s current rebuild, as well.

What it would take to get Markkanen away from the Bulls remains to be seen. We highlighted a potential trade in our piece on Buddy Hield, one that requires a huge amount of capital from both teams. But maybe something a little more simple would work. Like, say, Hield for Markkanen and a pick?

There are other commodities that the Bulls could shop as well. Zach LaVine has been a part of trade rumors over the last year and it is known that the Kings have at least some kind of interest in the fifth-year guard. There are even younger guys like Coby White and Wendell Carter Jr., though it could be that the new regime decides to build around those two.

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Whatever the case may be, Vlade Divac and company would be wise to have their phones in hand as soon as a new executive is hired in Chicago. You never know what might become available.