New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F Lauri Markkanen
Chicago Bulls Receive: 2022 second-round pick (via CLE), 2022 second-round pick (via UTA)
It would be difficult to find a more straightforward NBA trade scenario than a straight player for picks swap as is the case with this one. Where it gets a bit more complicated is in the technicalities of what would make a deal legal to even take place.
For starters, the New Orleans Pelicans and Lauri Markkanen would need to come to an agreement on a deal that lasts for at least three-years. The NBA has a rule that restricts potential sign-and-trades from happening on anything shorter.
The restriction on sign-and-trade deals is why Kelly Oubre Jr. signing a two-year deal with the Charlotte Hornets prevented the Golden State Warriors seeking a return when he recently departed.
From a financial perspective, the Pelicans have a $17 million trade exception at their disposal to use and that could be used ideally in a potential sign-and-trade swap for Markkanen.
READ MORE: Predictions for NBA Trade Rumors: Simmons, Lillard, Hield, Ingles, Siakam
The market is not robust for Markkanen and it’s just challenging to see him getting much beyond $15 million in his 2021-22 salary if even that. The Pelicans would benefit from just making a move with this now to add shooting and could call it a day.
Let’s take a look at how this NBA trade scenario centered around Lauri Markkanen would impact both the Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Pelicans.
