Bulls sign Finnish draft pick Markkanen to contract

CHICAGO, USA – The Chicago Bulls said Wednesday they have signed Finnish forward Lauri Markkanen, the seventh overall selection in last month’s NBA draft.

Markkanen was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves, but the rights to sign him were acquired by the Bulls in the trade that brought Kris Dunn and Zach LaVine to Chicago in exchange for Jimmy Butler.

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The Bulls did not disclose the terms of the contract.

Markkanen played one season at the University of Arizona.

He averaged 15.2 points and 7.2 rebounds while shooting 49.2 percent from the field and 42.3 percent from 3-point range. The Bulls will be able to get a better look at him when they open the defense of their Summer League title in Las Vegas.

“I know there’s work to do, like always,” Markkanen said at an introductory press conference. “I’m the type of person who’s going to be in the gym and I’m going to work on (defense). I know I’m going to get better. I’m pretty confident that it’s going to happen.” – Rappler.com