Miami Heat: 3 restricted free agents to target this offseason
By Jack Simone
Lauri Markkanen is a stretch four that would be an ideal choice to pair alongside Bam Adebayo. His three-point shooting and efficient scoring are exactly what the Miami Heat need.
The Miami Heat have reportedly been interested in Danilo Gallinari for the past couple of seasons. Well, Lauri Markkanen is simply a younger version of Gallinari.
His ability to space the floor would open up so many different opportunities for the Heat on offense. While he’s not the greatest defender, Adebayo and the rest of the Heat can cover for him on that end.
Last season, Markkanen averaged 13.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 0.9 assists, He shot 48% from the field and 40.2% from three-point range.
Markkanen struggled to shoot the ball efficiently in his first three years but finally had a breakthrough last season. Despite this, the Bulls may be hesitant to re-sign him.
Think of Markkanen as a better version of Kelly Olynyk with the potential to be so much more. Ever since Olynyk was traded the Miami Heat have been desperately missing someone who could space the floor at an elite level.
Depending on how much the Bulls are willing to pay Markkanen, the price may not even be too high. Realistically, the Miami Heat should throw him an offer anywhere from $10-$15 million.
That could end up being a steal of a contract. He is only 24 years old and still has a ton of room to grow on both ends of the floor.