1) Beneficial landing spots for Chicago Bulls PF Lauri Markkanen: Charlotte Hornets
This is the biggest wildcard on the list of landing spots that would be beneficial for Markkanen’s next step in his NBA career. The Bulls might not think of the Charlotte Hornets as a potent trade partner, but there’s not many more teams in the NBA that could have as many younger players to move as they do.
There’s also a plethora of future draft capital that the Bulls could snag from Charlotte if Michael Jordan and his organization is willing to buy into what Markkanen brings to the table. The Hornets have a real opportunity this offseason to start moving in the right direction behind former Kansas Jayhawks point guard Devonte’ Graham and the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft Lottery.
The Hornets were the only team picking in the top five of the 2020 draft that got luckier than the Bulls.
Given that, maybe there is some traction that the Hornets and Bulls could find to work out a trade deal this offseason. And if Markkanen was given more space to work in an offense that will surround him potentially with young talent next season, then the Hornets could make sense for him. He would be playing alongside Graham, forward PJ Washington, wing Miles Bridges, and the Martin brothers.
The Hornets would have to still work on a lot this offseason to get in the right place to be able to move Markkanen’s career forward. But if the main thing that Lauri needs at this point of his career is a change of scenery to a market that puts less pressure on his shoulders to succeed, then landing in Charlotte could be the right move for him.