3 best landing spots for Lauri Markkanen in 2021 NBA Free Agency

#2 Minnesota Timberwolves

Karl-Anthony Towns (#32) passes the ball away from defenders.

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.

Lauri Markkanen is an interesting “second wave” free agent after teams miss out on their primary targets, @johnhollinger writes.“The Timberwolves are surely one possibility for him.”More: https://t.co/UbFwoC2Wcn pic.twitter.com/ibcdqUf5Fr
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) August 4, 2021

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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

Lauri Markkanen (#24) takes a shot against Luka Doncic (#77).

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.

Lauri Markkanen and Kelly Oubre Jr asked for too much money in free agency without the resume to back it up, a league source just told me. The market has cooled significantly on both with most teams out of money.Mavs ($15M) & Hornets ($14.5M) among teams w cap space.
— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) August 4, 2021

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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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