Lauri Markkanen headed to Cleveland
by Zachary Hanshew | Jazz Correspondent | Fri, Aug 27th 1:43pm EDT
Lauri Markkanen has been traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers on a four-year, $67M sign-and-trade deal. (Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact:
Markkanen comes to Cleveland by way of a three-team deal involving Portland. The Bulls will get Derrick Jones Jr., Portland's lottery-protected future first-round pick, and Cleveland's future second-round pick. Portland will get Larry Nance Jr. Markkanen moves from one crowded frontcourt to another, though he should have an easier path to minutes with the Cavs. As a seven-footer who can stretch the floor, his skillset is similar to No. 3 pick Evan Mobley's. While there will be competition for playing time alongside Jarrett Allen, Markkanen shouldn't have a problem eclipsing the career-low 25.8 minutes per game he logged last season in Chicago. Cleveland's lack of quality three-point shooting and scoring offers him an immediate opportunity to contribute. The move could signal a buy-out or trade of Kevin Love before the season begins.
Category: Transactions | More Lauri Markkanen: News, Rankings, Stats
