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The Chicago Bulls' restricted free agent forward Lauri Markkanen has not yet found a home more than a week since 2021 NBA free agency began. The Bulls have reportedly been playing hard ball with teams who are looking to do a sign-and-trade with them.
Their asking price of a first-round pick has not exactly caused a queue in front of Chicago Bulls GM Marc Eversley’s office. Perhaps the Bulls brass plan to retain Lauri Markkanen at a price point they’re happy with in case they keep him and one they can easily send in a trade later during the 2021-22 season.
Moreover, the Bulls reportedly want a third team involved in a potential deal, so they don’t have to take back any salaries.
2021 NBA free agency: Which teams should sign or trade for Lauri Markkanen?
Lauri Markkanen reportedly prefers to play elsewhere. and there are many teams who would benefit from having the versatile forward in their squad. There should be no shortage of teams who would be interested in his services, but his asking price may have to go down.
On that note, there are teams who should look to either sign Markkanen outright or do a sign-and-trade with the Bulls to acquire him. Here's a look at three such teams that could do just that:
#3 New Orleans Pelicans
One of the best places for Lauri Markkanen to go to in NBA free agency is the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans are rumored to be interested in acquiring Markkanen, who would improve the team's offense.
Lauri Markkanen’s three-point shooting, a career-best 40.2% last season, would fit nicely in the Pelicans' offense, with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram drawing most of the attention. Though he’s not a center even at his height (7'), Markkanen could play the small forward position alongside Williamson, with Ingram sliding into the shooting guard position.
Though Markkanen would be a third option on the Pelicans' roster, he could thrive with less attention on him. Not only would he be receiving passes from Williamson and Ingram, but the presence of another 3-point shooter in Devonte' Graham would also keep defenders from focusing on Markkanen too much.
Moreover, the seventh overall pick of the 2017 draft has the ability to go to the hole and create his own offense. He would also be an excellent leader of the second unit when Williamson needs a breather.
If the Pelicans and Markkanen find a way to work out a deal, expect New Orleans to be a dark horse team that could go deep in the playoffs next year.
#2 Minnesota Timberwolves
Lauri Markkanen could go back to the team that drafted him into the NBA. He was traded along with Zach LaVine to the Bulls on draft night in the blockbuster Jimmy Butler trade back in 2017. Now, he has a chance to go and play for the Timberwolves in NBA free agency, four years later.
Markkanen would be a great fit for the T-Wolves, who need a small forward who could free up Anthony Edwards to play at shooting guard full time. In Minnesota, Markkanen would be part of an up-and-coming team that won 11 of their last 22 games last season, including a four-game winning streak in their last 12 contests.
Rumored to be a target of the Timberwolves in NBA free agency, Lauri Markkanen would ease the burden on Edwards and All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns. He would also be a terrific target for Towns’ and D’Angelo Russell’s passes, as the Finnish forward would space the floor for Minnesota,
If the Timberwolves are determined to make the playoffs next season, acquiring Markkanen this offseason would be a major boost to their postseason push.
#1 Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are pushing to get past the first round of the playoffs next season. After the departure of head coach Rick Carlisle, the hiring of Jason Kidd as his replacement and the extension given to superstar guard Luka Doncic, it’s a new era for the Mavs.
But the current roster looks largely similar to last season’s, especially after Tim Hardaway Jr. re-signed with the team in NBA free agency. It’s difficult to imagine them reaching their goal even with the additions of Reggie Bullock and Moses Brown.
Enter Lauri Markkanen.
The Mavs are rumored to be interested in Markkanen in NBA free agency, and the interest might be mutual. Markkanen would provide Dallas with a versatile scorer who plays inside and out. He averaged four-year career lows of 13.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 25.8 minutes per game for the Bulls last season, but that’s why he needs to play in a new environment.
Lauri Markkanen would be an excellent drive-and-kick option for Doncic, who would have the benefit of having another 7-footer to pass the ball to in offense at the three-point line.
In Dallas, the Arizona product would not be asked to carry the franchise on his shoulders, which was somewhat the role he was expected to play in Chicago. With the burden lifted, Markkanen would likely be more effective and could have one of the best seasons of his career.
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