Chicago Bulls: 5 Potential offseason replacements for Lauri Markkanen

Chicago Bulls offseason replacements for Lauri Markkanen: Nemanja Bjelica

Nemanja Bjelica isn’t the same shooter as the rest of the players on this list but has still proven to be capable from the perimeter over the course of his NBA career. He has his ups and downs from behind the arc but is capable and willing to impact the game in other ways that make him an asset even when his shot isn’t falling.

His defense is essentially non-existent, meaning he would be brought in and could play a role similar to the one Markkanen has played off the bench since Vooch was added to the roster.

Prior to this season, Bjelica had three straight campaigns in which he shot over 40 percent from deep. That number over multiple seasons gives reason to believe he could refind his form and confidence from behind the arc.

Like Kaminsky, Bjelica might be able to be lured to Chicago on a team-friendly deal given his skillset. He is currently 32 years old, so isn’t expected to garner significant money over multiple seasons on the open market.

After spending a number of years on bad teams with the Sacramento Kings and Minnesota Timberwolves before arriving in Miami this season, the forward may simply want to lock himself into multiple years on a good team.

If that is a priority for him in the offseason, the Bulls may have a strong pitch to make for his services. While not ideal to sign a player of his age for multiple seasons, the Bulls could certainly do so at the right number and make him a prominent part of their bench rotation for the upcoming seasons.