Lauri Markkanen, like so many players this offseason, reportedly has drawn interest from the Celtics.
But will Markkanen actually find his way to Boston?
The Celtics are among a handful of teams who have shown interest in the 24-year-old restricted free agent, Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer reported Monday morning, citing sources. However, a deal is unlikely unless Boston and the Chicago Bulls get creative with rosters and salaries.
From Fischer’s column:
Each team that has inquired about Markkanen would have to now add him via sign-and-trade, as cap space has dwindled across the league. Dallas, New Orleans, Boston, and Minnesota have all shown interest in signing Markkanen to deals worth around $15 million in average annual value, sources said, but the Bulls are seeking a first-round pick in exchange for helping facilitate the transaction. Additionally, Chicago brass are requiring Markkanen’s new team to find a third trade partner to take on the outgoing salary needed to create space for Markkanen’s contract.
Markkanen, a stretch forward the likes of which many teams covet, has been injury-prone since entering the NBA but nevertheless is a very talented player.
The 2017 lottery pick (seventh overall) averaged 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting a career-high 40 percent from 3-point range last season for the Bulls. He appeared in 51 games but only started in 26 of them.
The 2018-19 campaign was Markkanen’s finest, as the Fin averaged 18.7 points and 9.0 rebounds
