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New York Knicks: Trades that could land Lauri Markkanen

By Alexander Trataros

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 28: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls in action against Elfrid Payton #6 of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 28, 2019 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Bulls 105-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 28: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls in action against Elfrid Payton #6 of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 28, 2019 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Bulls 105-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks
New York Knicks (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Lauri Markkanen has expressed dissatisfaction with the Chicago Bulls and depending on the cost, the New York Knicks should try to trade for him.

The recent news of Lauri Markkanen being unhappy with the Chicago Bulls organization has caused New York Knicks fans to be optimistic (yet apprehensive) of the team trying to land the Finnish big man.

The news about Markkanen potentially wanting out occurred before the Bulls hired Arturas Karnisovas as their new executive vice president of operations. While Markkanen’s feelings may have changed about the franchise since this hire, they may not change much until the Bulls fire head coach Jim Boylen, who seems to be disliked by most of the team (I guess that’s what happens when you make NBA players do sprints and use a punch clock).

But even if Markkanen’s perspective changes, Karnisovas’ feelings about the player are still unclear.

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As reported by Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic (subscription needed), Karnisovas has a short time period to decide what to do with the European big man. Since Markkanen’s rookie scale contract expires next year, Karnisovas has to make a decision on whether he is going to salvage the relationship and get Markkanen back on track, or offload Markkanen for some assets because Karnisovas will need picks to rebuild the Bulls with his vision.

But even with the uncertainty of Markkanen’s availability, the bigger question mark is Markkanen’s trade value (which impacts the Knicks’ decision).

Markkanen would be in high demand if he became available because teams are looking for a stretch four to help space the court. However, Markkanen’s play has declined after his sophomore season, which has been concerning.

Per Game Table
Season Age Tm Pos G GS MP FG FGA FG% 3P 3PA 3P% 2P 2PA 2P% eFG% FT FTA FT% ORB DRB TRB AST STL BLK PTS
2017-18 20 CHI PF 68 68 29.7 5.5 12.7 .434 2.1 5.9 .362 3.4 6.8 .497 .518 2.1 2.4 .843 1.2 6.3 7.5 1.2 0.6 0.6 15.2
2018-19 21 CHI PF 52 51 32.3 6.6 15.3 .430 2.3 6.4 .361 4.3 8.9 .479 .506 3.3 3.8 .872 1.4 7.6 9.0 1.4 0.7 0.6 18.7
2019-20 22 CHI PF 50 50 29.8 5.0 11.8 .425 2.2 6.3 .344 2.8 5.5 .518 .517 2.5 3.1 .824 1.2 5.1 6.3 1.5 0.8 0.5 14.7
Career 170 169 30.6 5.7 13.2 .430 2.2 6.2 .356 3.5 7.0 .495 .513 2.6 3.0 .848 1.3 6.3 7.6 1.3 0.7 0.6 16.1

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 4/18/2020.

In addition to Markkanen’s decline, he has been injury-prone in his most two recent seasons.

Lastly, Markkanen has been considered to be one of the foundational pieces, next to Zach LaVine on this young Bulls team. Both those players are expected to help lead the Bulls and be the two points of attack on the offense. Markkanen’s inability to show that he has been a key contributor to help the Bulls be on the path to becoming a successful team should also be concerning about this ability to help a team become a contender.

So with his decline in play and inability to stay healthy or help his team win, it’s difficult to see that his value would be so high based on the fact that he is still young and has the potential to be a star.

To put this into reference, Kristaps Porzingis was named an NBA All-Star by his third season, which is why the Knicks were able to land Dennis Smith Jr. and two first-round picks (to this day I still think the Knicks could’ve gotten a better deal).

Markkanen, on the other hand, has not been named an NBA All-Star, not even in a weak Eastern Conference.

But with all of that said, let’s review some of the trade options that the Knicks could propose to get Markkanen on the team.

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