Lauri Markkanen sign-and-trade targets from the Timberwolves: Josh Okogie
Most of the depth needs remaining for the Bulls lie on the wing and at the four. The Bulls could use another big man in general to round out the frontcourt unit. And the team appears to be nearly set in the backcourt rotation after the additions of Lonzo and the former Los Angeles Lakers point guard Alex Caruso.
The Bulls could get the final piece needed to add depth at the two-guard/on the wing if executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley were able to land the two-way 22-year-old Timberwolves shooting guard/wing Josh Okogie. As someone that still has a lot of room to grow, Okogie could be a solid value find for the Bulls.
Okogie improved a good bit over the course of his first two seasons in the NBA, but he largely hit a wall last year. His improving defensive numbers and off-ball offensive contributions started to fade a bit.
Given that the Timberwolves don’t look to have a high level of investment in the development of Okogie at this point, he could be pretty easy to get for the Bulls. That proposition does largely hinge on how much Karnisovas and the Bulls would buy into the fit with Okogie in Donovan’s backcourt/wing rotation.
Moreover, one argument against bringing in Okogie would be the fact that the Bulls already re-signed the former Boston Celtics shooting guard Javonte Green to a two-year deal this offseason. Green and Okogie are both defensive first 6-foot-4 shooting guards/wings that have shown life in their offensive games in the past.
Having both Green and Okogie in the mix could clog up that portion of the rotation at the two and the three.
The final verdict with Okogie should be pursue him if the asking price is right and Donovan has a viable plan to use him differently off the bench than Green heading into next season. Otherwise, try to find another target in a sign-and-trade from Minnesota.