Bulls fans had been hearing rumors over potential Lauri Markkanen trades for months, and on Friday news finally broke of a three-team deal involving the former No. 7 overall pick. Markkanen, a restricted free agent, is headed to Cleveland as part of a sign-and-trade.
In a deal reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Bulls will receive two protected draft picks in the three-team deal, as well as 24-year-old Derrick Jones Jr. from the Blazers.
Jones Jr., a 6-foot-5 wing, is a former Slam Dunk Contest champion and made an NBA Finals appearance with the Heat in 2020. In his only season with the Blazers, Jones Jr. made 58 appearances and started 43 games, averaging 22.7 minutes, 6.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game.
Bulls receive: Derrick Jones Jr., protected 2022 first-rounder (via Portland), 2023 protected second-rounder (via Denver)
Cavaliers receive: Lauri Markkanen
Trail Blazers receive: Larry Nance Jr.
