Dallas Mavericks rumors: Bulls want first round pick for Lauri Markkanen

The Dallas Mavericks acted fast to round out their roster. They agreed to four players in the first three hours of free agency, and have not made a move since Aug. 2. The Mavs would love to add pieces to their roster and rumors suggest they are still trying. The two players most linked to the Mavericks are Lauri Markkanen and Goran Dragic. Fans got new information about both pursuits on Aug. 10.

According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, the Mavs are one of four teams that have been willing to offer Markkanen a contract worth $15 million per season. He is a restricted free agent, and the Bulls have no reason to give him up for nothing. Fischer reports they are seeking a first-round pick to let him go and requiring the team trading for Markkanen to find a third organization to take on the matching salaries.

With the latest rumors, will the Mavericks acquire Markkanen or Dragic this offseason? Let us take a closer look.

Rumors: Bulls want a first-round pick from Dallas Mavericks for Lauri Markkanen

The stalemate is on between Markkanen and the Bulls. Markkanen has made it known that he wants to leave Chicago. The Mavericks are not trading a first-round pick plus additional selections to facilitate the trade with the third team. Will Markkanen take the qualifying offer for next season? Do the Bulls lower their asking price? It is a situation to monitor, but there appears to be no end in sight.

Fischer also noted that the Raptors are meeting with Goran Dragic during summer league to discuss their situation. The Mavericks continue to believe the veteran guard will be bought out, but Toronto keeps searching for trade partners. It appears Dragic will wind up in Dallas, but it could be well into the regular season before it happens.

Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest news, rumors, and analysis on the Dallas Mavericks. The bulk of the offseason transactions are over, but the Mavs still want to make moves. Keep it locked for all the latest.