Worst situations that Chicago Bulls PF Lauri Markkanen could land in: New York Knicks
The team that is in the best situation for the future of its own franchise on this list, but would not be a good fit for Markkanen still, is the New York Knicks. Former Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau looks to have the Knicks headed firmly in the right direction with a rejuvenated roster chocked full of young talent, and former MVP-winning point guard Derrick Rose.
Yet, it is the first-time All-Star and point forward Julius Randle that is the commanding force for the Knicks. There were a lot of accolades the Knicks were able to pass around this season, including All-NBA and Most Improved Player of the Year for Randle, and Coach of the Year for Thibs.
Given the injury history and overall skill set of Markkanen, it doesn’t look like the fit between him and Thibs would go too well. It could also be a clunky fit with Markkanen and Randle in the same starting unit if that was the move for Thibs with the Bulls’ power forward. Randle wouldn’t open up all that much space for Markkanen on the perimeter, and the defensive liability on some rather inept bigs on that end of the floor would once again come to the forefront.
The Knicks have a plethora of options they could find in free agency this summer that could continue to help move this roster forward. Markkanen should just not be one of them. He could help another playoff contender that would better use that part of their cap space to sign him, and that would be more beneficial for the development of his skill set.