Forwards that are better fits with the Chicago Bulls than Lauri Markkanen: JaMychal Green
The first three options up on this list are all current members of the Nuggets and could be good fits as additions to the frontcourt/forward rotation for the Bulls. And next up is a player that is a personal favorite of mine as a free agent target for the Bulls, Nuggets power forward JaMychal Green.
As someone who could be a rather switchable starter or second unit power forward, Green could be a cheaper and more versatile option for Karnisovas and the Bulls. It was a good while since Green was a regular starter. The last time he started in more than half of the regular season games he played in was with the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2017-18 campaign.
But Green could still be someone that gets spot starts if needed for the Bulls. And he could carry a much cheaper price tag than someone like Young or Markkanen moving forward. Green’s addition would likely benefit pretty much everyone in this Bulls rotation, granted to a minor degree, depending on the player.
For the Bulls to have a shot at signing Green, he would need to opt-out of the final year of his current contract. He has a looming player option that, if he exercises, would pay him around $7.6 million for next season. If he does opt-out, he would likely be looking for a bigger role with a different team or a longer-term deal. Both are something that the Bulls could offer him.