Chicago Bulls: 3 remaining free agents to replace Lauri Markkanen

Remaining free agents for the Chicago Bulls to replace Lauri Markkanen: Nicolo Melli

Essentially a more expensive and proven version of Leaf that the Bulls could sign to replace Markkanen this summer is the former New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks floor-spacing big man Nicolo Melli. The 6-foot-9 and 235-pound 30-year-old Italian power forward is looking like he will suit up for his third different team since the turn of the calendar year from 2020 to 2021 ahead of next season.

But Melli is a consistent enough producer as a reserve power forward that he should be able to find a steady role in some NBA rotation shortly. Melli is an underrated defender (much more consistent and capable on that end of the floor than Markkanen) and a pretty good shooter. He is around a 43 percent career shooter from the field and 34 percent from beyond the arc.

Melli can really excel, though, in catch-and-shoot situations from the elbow and from the top of the key. He’s not the greatest shooter from the corners. He’s never shot better than 31 percent on corner three-pointers in his career to date. Melli is better than a 35 percent shooter from beyond the arc when there’s not a defender within four feet of him.

Essentially Melli can be a catch-and-shoot threat that also helps to space the floor when someone like Coby, DeRozan, or Lonzo Ball, is looking to drive the ball and kick it to the outside. Melli can also spot up on the outside to help space the floor when the Bulls are running in transition.

The Bulls aren’t going to get great defense out of the trio of star center Nikola Vucevic, shooting guard Zach LaVine, and DeRozan. And the floor spacing will now be limited with the addition of DeRozan and if forward Patrick Williams can’t become more aggressive next season. This is why adding someone that can be a floor spacer and a solid one-on-one defender at the three, four, or five, could be a nice fit for the Bulls on a cheap deal.