A New Home For Markkanen

As we get closer to a much anticipated opening night in the NBA, the trades are continuing to shift players and their home teams. The Chicago bulls have released restricted free-agent forward Lauri Markkanen as part of a three team, sign and trade agreement. The Cleveland Cavaliers are signing Markkanen to a four year, $67 million contract. The Bulls have received forward Derrick Jones Jr. from Portland and protected 2022 first pick as part of the trade. Markkanen has been looking for a new home as a restricted free agent, and will be joining the Cavaliers with a fresh, revamped line up that will include number 3 overall pick Evan Mobley and center Jerrett Allen.

Originally from Finland, Markkanen was drafted out of the University of Arizona by the Minnesota Timberwolves, with the number 7 overall pick of the 2017 NBA draft. He was then traded to the Chicago Bulls on draft night and has spent his entire, 4 year NBA career with the Bulls. Lauri Markkanen played 51 games for the Bulls last season, averaging 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds. Markkanen will be leaving the Bulls ranked sixth all-time in franchise history in the three-pointers made with 493. Cavaliers GM, Koby Altman, is thrilled to have Lauri Markkanen as a new addition to the team. He stated, “he has the proven ability to play multiple positions and stretch the floor from the perimeter, and at 24 years old, we believe his best basketball is in front of him”.

ReplyForward