New Orleans Pelicans’ Trade Target: Lauri Markkanen

Lauri Markkanen’s Weaknesses

Markkanen’s biggest weakness is just that, weakness.

He lacks the physical strength to guard some power forwards and the lateral quickness to stay in front of some wings.

With his size, Markkanen should also be a better shot-blocker, especially from the weak side.

These wouldn’t be huge concerns for the New Orleans Pelicans, as few power forwards play in the post and Markkanen still has plenty of time to improve his shot blocking.

Markkanen has the tendency to disappear in games, especially under Boylen, but most Bulls’ fans would put that on the coach, not the player.

He can be too passive and often settles for long jumpers instead of trying to use his speed to get into the lane.

Another weakness of Markkanen as a trade target is that he only has one year remaining on his contract.

Even though he regressed in year three, Markkanen is still going to get paid, as seven-footers who can shoot three’s are one of the most valuable commodities in today’s game.

The New Orleans Pelicans would likely have to make a trade to keep him as a free agent, as they will already have a lot of money tied up in Jrue Holiday, Brandon Ingram and J.J. Redick with Lonzo Ball and Zion due for extensions.

The New Orleans Pelicans might feel they’d have to give up too much in a trade for Markkanen, who could end up being a one year rental.

The counter argument is, who cares?

Markkanen has the talent to take the New Orleans Pelicans to the next level, and even if it were only for one year, it would be worth it if the Pels made the Finals.

Let’s take a look at what a trade for Markkanen might look like.