NY Knicks: Lauri Markkanen would be a fascinating trade Target

As the March 25th NBA trade deadline rapidly approaches, the NY Knicks may be seeking a boost that will help the franchise in their postseason push but aren’t expected to be overly aggressive in their pursuit. Could Lauri Markkanen be a  potential target?

As things currently stand, New York ranks 7th in the Eastern Conference with a respectable 21-21 record. They are just a half-game out of the 5th seed and a game and a half away from the 4th seed and home-court advantage in the postseason.

The Knicks have many different needs that could be addressed. They lack a true passing point guard. They would also benefit from an infusion of good shooters.

However, they may be an under-the-radar trade target that the team’s front office should consider: Chicago Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen.

Could Lauri Markkanen be on the NY Knicks’ radar?

A recent ESPN article speculated that Markkenen could be available via trade. Here’s why New York should seriously consider pursuing the international star.

The Scoring Boost

The former 7th overall draft pick (2017) has quietly carved out a solid role for himself in the NBA.

While he has failed to become the Dirk Nowitzki-type superstar that Chicago dreamed about, he has proven to be an important player with a valuable skill set.

Markkanen is a true seven-footer with a proven knack for scoring. He is the prototypical modern NBA big, with a dangerous outside shot.

For his career, the Finnish star has recorded a 36% mark from beyond the three-point line. In 2020-2021, he has increased his efficiency to a blistering 41%.

His combination of size and elite shooting brings back memories of former Knick Kristaps Porzingas.

This has been the primary skill that has allowed Markkanen to average 16.4 points per game throughout his career. He also shoots a fantastic 50% from the field and 84% from the free-throw line.

A player like Markkanen would give a noticeable scoring punch to a Knicks team that ranks 28th in the league in scoring. He would also help create maximum space for a roster full of slashers and cutters.

The Lineup Fit

This is the most perplexing portion of a potential trade for Markkanen.

His scoring boost would be a welcome addition in New York. However, it is fair to question if he would fit on an already stacked frontcourt.

It seems obvious (barring an unexpected trade) that Mitchell Robinson is the franchise center of the future. The All-Star emergence of Julius Randle also appears to be cemented as the Knicks’ power forward.

How does a seven-footer like Markkanen fit in this depth chart?

Assuming New York retained both Robinson and Randle, the team would have a potential logjam in their frontcourt. However, it would be a workable problem.

Coach Tom Thibodeau could tinker with a fascinating lineup that features all three big men at the same time. Offensively, this combination could be a nightmare for opposing defenses.

One might assume spacing would be a major issue for a team with three centers or power forwards. Thankfully, both Randle and Markkanen are shooting above 40% from three.

This lineup would be a unique combination of shooting and spacing, with the size to make an impact on the offensive glass. As the rest of the league goes small, the Knicks would be one of the few teams equipped to pivot in the other direction.

This pairing would cause Randle to cover a smaller wing player. While the 6’9″ powerhouse does move well for a player of his size, this would likely be a legitimate concern.

Thibodeau could also be strategic in the way he staggers these three stars throughout the course of a game.

At the end of the day, the Knicks would benefit from an infusion of talented players. Adding Markkanen into their current mix is a good problem to have.

Conclusion

The price tag for a player like Markanen would be high. Especially considering his hot start to the 2020-2021 season. It is likely the Bulls would inquire about players like Robinson, RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin, or Kevin Knox. They would also be interested in adding one of New York’s two first-round draft picks into the deal.

For the record, I would not be willing to part ways with either Barrett or Robinson in a deal for Markkanen. However, should the Bulls entertain a package centered around Knox, the Knicks would be wise to enter negotiations.

The fourth-year forward is scheduled to become a restricted free agent after this season. Considering Chicago’s lack of success over the past half-decade, the team may value young assets over committing a sizable contract to their international star.

Markkanen, who is still only 23-year-old, would be a great part of the Knicks’ present and future. They also project to have the cap space to retain him.

Scott Perry, Leon Rose, and the rest of the Knicks’ front office would be wise to consider pursuing Markkanen as the trade deadline approaches.