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4 NBA players who could be the next Julius Randle in free agency this year

By Corey Rausch

DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 16: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks celebrates with RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks as the Knicks take on the Dallas Mavericks in the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center on April 16, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 16: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks celebrates with RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks as the Knicks take on the Dallas Mavericks in the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center on April 16, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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NBA, Julius Randle (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
NBA, Julius Randle (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Candidate No. 2 to be the next Julius Randle in NBA free agency: Lauri Markkanen

No one on this list needs a change of scenery more than Lauri Markkanen. The former seventh overall pick in the draft has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to fully put it all together. Now, with the additions of Nikola Vucevic and Daniel Theis to the roster, the Chicago Bulls feel poised to let the pending restricted free agent go.

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His second season in the league was an indicator of what he could be if everything broke right. In 52 games he posted a line of 18.7 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists on shooting splits of .430/.361/.872. He is the type of 7-foot threat that can stretch the floor effectively and be a real go-to option. This season he is shooting 6.0 3-point shots per game and is hitting a career-high 39.7 percent.

Availability is the main ability that has thwarted Markkanen. He has missed 14, 20, 15 and 20 games in each of his first four seasons, respectively. However, that could be the best thing for any team taking a chance on him next. The next contract for Markkanen may come in at something of a bargain given the fact that the Bulls seem out on him and he will be looking to prove something.

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