The Jimmy Butler trade last June probably was the most significant trade in the history of the Bulls franchise. Never had the Bulls traded an All-Star player in his prime like Butler. So the Bulls have considered the players acquired in that trade, Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and the draft rights to Lauri Markkanen, as the building blocks for the franchise's future. All three have excelled at times this season, though because of injuries and LaVine's recovery from knee surgery, the trio hasn't played together that much. Still, they are expected to be the foundation for the team the Bulls hope to build in these coming years.
Lauri Markkanen: "I have a high level of confidence in myself and I think that's the only way you can survive in this league."
