Forwards that are better fits with the Chicago Bulls than Lauri Markkanen: Maurice Harkless
Since the Bulls are likely to still have the former Orlando Magic veteran forward Al-Farouq Aminu sticking around on the roster heading into next season, the landscape of potential targets at this spot in the rotation changes a bit. Signing someone like the 28-year-old Sacramento Kings forward Maurice Harkless looks less viable with Aminu’s contract on the books.
Yet, if there were a way that the Bulls were able to shed the money that Aminu has on their cap sheet, then signing someone like Harkless would make a lot more sense.
When the Bulls acquired the two-way forward Aminu from the Magic at the trade deadline in the deal that also landed them Vooch, it seemed like he could contribute to this forward rotation. But Donovan and the Bulls didn’t give Aminu much playing time at all down the stretch. That might change considering he could be on the books for all of next season.
At the moment, Harkless does look to be a more capable offensive weapon than Aminu. And he’s a more mobile defender that can match up with most opposing wings and smaller stretch power forwards. At his peak efficiency, Harkless is also a very efficient rebounder that can stroke it from deep.
Harkless would definitely be my least favorite option on this list for the Bulls to sign unless something changes with the team retaining Markkanen and dumping Aminu somehow. If not for trading for Aminu at the trade deadline, Harkless could be a good free agent target for the Bulls this summer. He could still be a name to watch moving forward.