After reports surfaced about Lauri Markkanen's desire to leave the Chicago Bulls, more than a few teams have been linked to a swoop for the 24-year-old forward. Right now, Luka Doncic and the Mavs are the latest team that has been rumored to be in on the Markkanen sweepstakes
NBA insider Kevin O'Connor brought up this possibility in a recent appearance on The Mismatch podcast:
“One other team to watch for (Lauri) Markkanen is the Dallas Mavericks,” O'Connor said, via DallasBasketball.com. “I’ve heard they also have interest, so there’s some sign-&-trade possibilities involving him with Charlotte & Dallas.”
As O'Connor touched on in his statement above, the Charlotte Hornets is another team that has been identified as a potential landing spot for Markkanen. It is clear that the Mavs will have a lot of competition in the race to sign the 7-foot power forward, who is now a free agent.
Markkanen pocketed $6.7 million with the Bulls last season, and he may be looking for a significant increase for his next payday. The Mavs could make a deal work, and we could very well see Markkanen in a Dallas uniform next season.
A Markkanen and Porzingis frontcourt pairing could be a sight to see for the coming campaign. This won't be the most athletic frontcourt in the league, but their length and ability to stretch the floor could work well for the Mavs.
Dallas has been quite busy in the offseason thus far. Aside from Markkanen, they have also recently been linked to a reunion to former lottery pick Dennis Smith Jr., who himself has also entered free agency.
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