Cleveland Cavaliers: Grading their signings in NBA free agency

Cleveland Cavaliers free agency signings No. 3: Lauri Markkanen

After four seasons with the Chicago Bulls, Lauri Markkanen leaves the Windy City with a few question marks beside his name. Despite being 7’0″ and possessing a tremendous shooting touch from the perimeter, why has he not been able to do more with the Bulls? Does he just produce empty numbers?

Well, combining the Allen and Markkanen signings the Cavaliers would appear to have a tremendous one-two punch in their frontcourt. What Allen does not have in shooting range is made up for by Markanen and what Markkanen does not have in rebounding and defense is covered by Allen.

Taken as a signing without this context and the Cavaliers would appear to have made a mistake by conducting a sign and trade for Markkanen. However, from a team-building perspective, it is a great move. It also gives the Cavaliers a backup plan to help them trade Love this season.

The other positive of this signing is that Markkanen fits the timeline of the rebuild incredibly well. He has four years of NBA experience which is in a similar window as the rest of the young core, allowing them all the chance to grow together, building chemistry as they help the Cavaliers move up the standings.

Grade: B+