by Lauri Markkanen’s Chicago Bulls career comes to an end in a 3 team sign and trade deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Portland Trail Blazers. Being the subject of much trade speculation throughout the season, Markkanen has been widely expected to leave Chicago sometime this offseason, although it was expected to happen much earlier. Can the young big man resurrect his career with this rebuilding Cavs team?
Cavaliers Receive: Lauri Markannen, 4 Years – $67M (Sign and Trade With Bulls)
After drafting Evan Mobley and resigning Jarret Allen this offseason, there may be some initial questions as to Markkanen’s fit alongside these other young big men. Mobley is widely expected to start alongside Jarret Allen in the front court but if Cleveland feels as though he is not ready, Markkanen’s long range shooting will fit perfectly alongside Allen. If he is to come off of the bench he can be a viable 6th man as an outside threat but his defense and durability are still big questions. After putting up 13 points and 5 rebounds per game this past season, it remains to be seen if Markkanen can get back to that 19 points and 9 rebounds he averaged during his breakout season 2 years ago.
Bulls Receive: Derrick Jones Jr., Blazers Future 1st Round Pick, Cavs Future 2nd Round Pick
The Bulls land themselves some much needed defensive versatility in the high flyer Derrick Jones Jr as well as some future picks from Portland and Cleveland. The 6’7 wing was a Swiss-Army knife for the Blazers last season, defending the 1-4 positions while being a transition and lob threat offensively. Jones won’t wow you with his scoring or 3-point shooting (7 PPG, 31%) but doesn’t allow his offensive limitations to keep him from being active. Expect him to be a solid rotation piece for Chicago this season as well as a bunch of rim-rattling highlights between Jones, Zach Lavine and newly acquired DeMar DeRozan. The Bulls haven’t seen the playoffs since 2017 and we will see if shipping former Lottery Pick Lauri Markkanen for Jones will be a step in the right direction.
Trail Blazers Receive: Larry Nance Jr.
Portland gets themselves a reliable pick and roll threat in Larry Nance Jr. after losing Zach Collins and Enes Kanter this offseason. Nance will be used in a similar fashion to Derrick Jones Jr. offensively but also has improved his 3-point shooting these past few seasons. A solid defender as well, Nance has averaged over a steal per game each season after his second year in the league. He’s had some durability issues over his 6 year career though, and suffered a fractured thumb in April. There will be a close eye on his consistent availability this upcoming season for the Blazers.
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