New Orleans Pelicans: 4 free agents still available worth going after
New Orleans Pelicans: NBA free agent Lauri Markkanen
The Chicago Bulls have tied up a ton of money after trading for Lonzo Ball and DeMar DeRozan, which means Lauri Markkanen could be the odd man out.
I’ve mentioned Markkanen a few times as a fit on the Pelicans, and I think he is, as he is a 7-footer who can stroke the 3-pointer and provide spacing around Zion Williamson.
Related Story. Why Trey Murphy III will thrive in New Orleans. light
The Bulls no longer have any cap space, and even though they can go over the cap to re-sign Markkanen, I can’t see them offering much more than the qualifying offer of $9 million.
If the Pelicans wanted to bump that up to $12-15 million they could probably steal Markkanen away and still have some cap space leftover to fill out their bench.
Markkanen could slot into the starting five and give the Pelicans a massive group that was nearly impossible to guard, though they might be the worst defensive starting lineup in the league.
He could also come off the bench as the first scoring option, which might be his best role, as he does have some injury history.
The New Orleans Pelicans still have a move or two to make and might take a chance on one of these four free agents.
Next. Why Devonte' Graham will be a better fit for NOLA than Lonzo. dark