LaVine, Markkanen and Dunn.
It may sound like an international law firm. But it’s actually coach Fred Hoiberg’s lifeline.
Nobody said this rebuilding stuff was going to be easy, particularly when the core has played just three games together and all with Zach LaVine logging just 20 minutes.
The Bulls finished their three-game West Coast trip Monday night with a tank game for the ages, blowing all of a 21-point lead in a 104-98 loss to the Kings. The Bulls have lost seven straight.
LaVine’s season-high 27 points featured a highlight-reel dunk over JaKarr Sampson just before halftime and Bobby Portis added his second straight double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds.
But the feel-good vibes December’s unlikely seven-game winning streak and LaVine’s return in January created are gone. And with Thursday’s trade deadline fast approaching so, too, could be more players.
Multiple league sources said the Bulls remain active in their attempts to trade established players for future assets, with Robin Lopez, Jerian Grant and the expiring deals of Tony Allen and Jameer Nelson available.
Allen and Nelson were acquired in last week’s trade of Nikola Mirotic to the Pelicans. Following that move, executive vice president John Paxson said Paul Zipser and Cristiano Felicio will get longer looks down this season’s stretch.
And now comes news that Cameron Payne practiced with the Windy City Bulls of the G League and could play soon as he looks for a post-All-Star break return — and NBA playing time.
Yes, even with Portis replacing Zipser to make his first start this season, this could get ugly.
And that’s why Hoiberg and his staff are keeping their eyes on the prize. The Bulls went 2-1 in those three games LaVine, Markkanen and Dunn played together, the lone loss a competitive affair Jan. 17 against the Warriors.
That’s the game in which Dunn suffered his concussion and he hasn’t played since. Markkanen missed his third straight Monday night after the birth of his first child.
“I’m excited to see how those guys jell together because obviously that’s a big part of our future,” Hoiberg said. “They showed some pretty good flashes when they were out there.”
Dunn remains a ways away from returning but, according to Hoiberg, is in the “return to play” testing portion of the league’s concussion protocol and has an upcoming treadmill test after riding a stationary bike for days. Markkanen was scheduled to play Monday after missing the first two games of the trip but the snowy weather in Chicago canceled his commercial flight.
Markkanen will practice with Windy City on the Bulls’ off day Tuesday and is to start Friday against the Timberwolves and Jimmy Butler, whose trade last June started this whole process. LaVine also remains upbeat about it.
“I’ve played with Kris (in Minnesota), so I know what he can do,” LaVine said. “Lauri, you look at that (Jan. 10) game he had in (Madison Square) Garden, he has eight 3s and an absolute highlight reel dunk. He continues to show more every time he steps on the floor.”
Lopez had some time to contemplate trade rumors after getting ejected with 4 minutes, 21 seconds left in the first half for drawing consecutive technicals. Upset for several possessions after getting whistled for a questionable foul, Lopez finally completely lost it and had to be restrained by assistant coaches so he didn’t rush officials. He then threw a chair in the players’ tunnel on his way to the locker room.
The incident recalled Joakim Noah’s infamously colorful 2014 ejection here in which he directed profanity at each official as he left the floor, drawing a $15,000 fine.
Hoiberg said he had a conversation about rumors with Lopez on Monday.
“He understands. He has been in this business a long time. He has been a part of a lot of different rumors. That’s generally what most of these are,” Hoiberg said. “Robin is a pro. He’s going to play hard for us. I know that. He’ll be a great mentor for our team and be a leader. That’s who he is and who he’ll continue to be.”
But will it be as a Bull?
Twitter @kcjhoop
Cameron Payne cleared for G League practices »
Five things to watch as the NBA's trade deadline approaches »
Bulls remain open for business, with Robin Lopez and Jerian Grant available »