Teams that offer the best situations for Chicago Bulls PF Lauri Markkanen: Philadelphia 76ers
One of the teams that I left off of this list that is likely to be a major player for Markkanen this summer is the San Antonio Spurs. But depending on what the supporting cast with legendary head coach Gregg Popovich and the Spurs looks like for Markkanen heading into next season, this might not actually be the best option for him.
The Spurs might not have the star offensive force that Markkanen can help to space the floor around. And the Spurs aren’t a team that might be able to provide a contender immediately for Markkanen.
That does leave one of the less often discussed potential landing spots for Markkanen this summer, the Philadelphia 76ers. Depending on what happens with the Sixers and star point guard Ben Simmons this summer, this could be a very interesting spot for Markkanen to play at heading into next season.
There could even be an idea for the Bulls and Sixers to get something done as far as a sign-and-trade deal is concerned for Simmons to give Chicago the true point guard of the future.
If nothing else, the Sixers tend to thrive the most when there are some capable outside shooters (even if those players aren’t the best defenders) around the star duo of Simmons and center Joel Embiid. Markkanen would be a potential nice inside-out frontcourt duo that could be formed with Embiid. He is more of an outside threat that could also be a good rebounder for the Sixers.
Embiid would also help to make up for any defensive lapses that the Sixers would have with Markkanen in the frontcourt unit. With the Sixers looking to make some roster moves to finally help this team get over the postseason hump next season to make the most of Embiid’s prime, Markkanen could be a viable option in Philly.