New Orleans Pelicans: 5 possible trade targets to watch vs. Bulls

New Orleans Pelicans: Lauri Markkanen’s trade value

Lauri Markkanen is a guy who would be a nice fit on the New Orleans Pelicans, at least on the offensive end, as he is the exact type of stretch-big they are lacking.

The Pels hoped this role would be filled by Nicolo Melli but we know how that has gone and Markkanen could be a huge upgrade if the Pelicans are willing to shell out for him.

But Markkanen is hurt yet again and not expected to return before the deadline, which is just one of the reasons that this is an unlikely trade.

This is unfortunate for the Bulls, as he was playing very well and is on the final year of his deal, so he is guy they might have tried to move for a nice haul at the deadline but will now probably be stuck with him heading into restricted free agency.

The Bulls will either have to shell out big bucks for Markkanen (which they might) or risk losing him for nothing in free agency.

If the Pelicans could take advantage of this situation and “buy low” on Markkanen he might be worth a look, especially if he only cost them one of their many draft picks.

Some fans would shy away from this one, as he always seems to be hurt, doesn’t play much defense and might net a big contract in the offseason but guys who are his size and do what he can do are pretty rare.

Seven-footers who shoot 40 percent on high volume from the 3-point line don’t grow on trees, so if the Pels could get one without going deep into their assets, that would be a no-brainer in my opinion.