Lauri Markkanen: 3 Potential free agency destinations

Lauri Markkanen Free Agency Fits: Atlanta Hawks

Finally, the Atlanta Hawks are the easiest to connect team to Markkanen in regards to play style. if they decide to let John Collins walk in free agency, Markkanen might be the perfect target.

The Hawks love to shoot the ball from behind the arc and Markkanen’s smooth stroke would fit in perfectly. They feature great shooters up and down their roster in Danilo Gallinari, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Kevin Huerter to name a few.

They also have the man leading the charge in point guard Trae Young. With Clint Capela down low contesting shots and grabbing boards, it’s possible the Hawks will want to increase their arsenal of sharpshooters.

Building around Young could be done by having as many shooters as possible. Although the defense will struggle, opponents will struggle to keep up with the high octane Hawks with Young leading the way.

This move makes even more sense if the market for Markkanen is slow to develop. Something that’s high in money but short in commitment could benefit both parties in this situation.

The Hawks don’t have to commit to such an offensive-minded player while Markkanen could again test free agency in the coming years. Teams are going to be able to spend in the upcoming seasons and he may want to capitalize on that.

So, if the market doesn’t develop he could simply go to a location that will both maximize his talents and pay him well for a short-term commitment. By going somewhere like this he could increase the commitment teams will give him in the coming off-seasons.