3 under-the-radar trade targets for the Toronto Raptors

Lauri Markkanen, Bulls, Celtics, Heat, NBA Rumors — USA Today Images

Lauri Markkanen – Chicago Bulls

While he has only played in 14 games this year due to a shoulder injury, Lauri Markkanen is a highly skilled, young frontcourt player that could bring perimeter shooting and rebounding to the Toronto Raptors. Markkanen and the Chicago Bulls failed to reach a contract extension in the offseason, meaning that they could look to trade him while they can still get something out of him, especially since the Bulls have played well without him.

The former 7th overall pick has been a really consistent big man early on in his career and before getting injured this season, he was averaging 19.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and shooting 39.6% from three-point range. Standing just about 7’0”, Lauri Markkanen is the perfect player for the Raptors to add ahead of the trade deadline and make another run at the NBA Finals in the Eastern Conference.

While he would likely cost the Raptors a future first-round pick and a solid role player, Markkanen brings a lot of value with him to Toronto and would fit in quite nicely due to his ability to play virtually anywhere on offense. Whether it is in the low-post or beyond-the-arc, Lauri Markkanen is a proven scorer that is continuing to get better.

With the Raptors, Lauri Markkanen would likely see about 30 minutes per game and would average upwards of 14 points per game, which is exactly the type of production ths organization needs from another frontcourt player.

With VanVleet and Lowry being the focal points of the Raptors’ backcourt and with Pascal Siakam being a 20+ point per game type of forward, this team just needs more consistent options around their core, which is exactly the type of player Lauri Markkanen is.

Adding yet another offensive threat to this roster who can also help the Raptors become a better rebounding team makes a ton of sense, making this move a no-brainer for Toronto. If the Bulls are willing to listen to trade offers for Lauri Markkanen, then the Raptors should do everything they can to try and acquire the 23-year old big man.

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Brett Siegel

Brett Siegel joined NBA Analysis Network as an NBA Insider and Journalist in 2020 after previously working with Louisville Basketball and FanSided covering the NBA. He was a member of our staff until April 2022.

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