NBA Rumors: Disgruntled Bulls Forward Wants Starting Role, Could Fit In With Knicks – Report

KEY POINTS

Lauri Markkanen wants to play for the Dallas Mavericks next season, a report says
It has been suggested that the New York Knicks could be a better fit for Markkanen
Markkanen needs to improve other parts of his game such as defense and inside presence

Lauri Markkanen wants to get more playing time and have an expanded role but that may not happen as long as he is with the Chicago Bulls. He is due to become a free agent this summer, and the 7-footer is hoping to join a team where he can be utilized better, according to a report.

Compared to the previous seasons, the Finnish player saw a big drop in production. This may be partly attributed to the arrival of Danny Theis and Nikola Vucevic, which eased him out of his starting spot. With limited playing time, Markkanen saw a decline in his numbers.

Aware that his stock may dip more, Markkanen is speculated to be considering a move elsewhere. The 2018 NBA All-Rookie First Team member wants to join the Dallas Mavericks and play alongside Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, the Chicago Sun-Times' Joe Cowley reported.

The Mavericks do have the cap room to take in the Finnish center, but the problem is how he would blend in. Pundits see some similarities between him and Porzingis, so the chances of Mark Cuban taking him in may not be high.

For the season, the 7th overall pick of the 2017 NBA Draft played in 51 games, averaging 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds in 25.8 minutes of action. His best performance came during the 2018-19 NBA season where he averaged 18.7 points, 9 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 32.3 minutes of action.

If not the Mavericks, it was suggested that Markkanen may be better off staying out east and considering a move to the New York Knicks. Like the Dallas Mavericks, the Knickerbockers will also have the cap room to spend in the NBA off-season.

The Chicago Bulls are expected to continue their rebuild with Zach LaVine and Vucevic at the helm. Markkanen could be of good use elsewhere, although he does have some parts of his game that need improvement. That includes defending better and establishing his physical presence around the paint.

What the 24-year-old has proven is that he can score when given the chance. The Mavs and Knicks could use that kind of a player, but there may be other teams willing to give the Finnish player a look as well.