After those huge decisions from big teams to enhance the firepower of their roster, the NBA offseason was a bit silent for a moment, not until this three-team trade that features Markkanen of the Bulls and Nance Jr of the Cavaliers. Not only them but Derrick Jones Jr. as well.
Markkanen signed with the Cavs on a four-year, $67 million contract.
Meanwhile, the Bulls will receive Jones Jr. and a protected first-round pick from Portland. In addition to that, they will also receive a future second-round draft pick from the Cavaliers according to Adrian Wojnarowski.
Markkanen will be a big addition for the Cavaliers. With the addition of Rubio also, Markkanen’s development would improve. Moreover, his post moves would improve as well with the mentorship from Kevin Love. The power forward from the Bulls can also enhance his defense with the help of Jarrett Allen, a beast in the paint defensively.
Markkanen’s departure from the Bulls would be great for him because in his previous season with the team, things were not going his way. He was moved back to the bench because of the addition of Nikola Vucevic as the new big man.
For the Bulls, adding Jones Jr. would be good for them because he can provide extra defensive efforts for the team. Offensively, he can join LaVine and Caruso as they cut towards the rim for an alley-oop dunk for an easy, yet amazing and entertaining two-points.
The fans should expect many spectacular plays from the Bulls this upcoming season. With the passing skills and the playmaking of Lonzo Ball, it is crazy to think how creative these can possibly be.
Because of the low defensive rating of the Trail Blazers in their previous season, adding a defensive-minded player such as Larry Nance Jr. would be a huge move for the team. With the re-signing of Norman Powell and Cody Zeller, their defense might improve this approaching season.
With the addition of Nance, Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum now has an option to drive and lob a pass for a powerful dunk from Nance. Furthermore, they can also play pick and roll or pick and pop with the 6-foot-7 forward. The offense and defense of the Trail Blazers would improve this season with the presence of Nance on their team.
In conclusion, these trades are all beneficial for the respective teams, adding players who are going to help them in various ways, either offensively or defensively. Yet, these three players are still going to prove that they are a huge addition for their new teams as they will showcase their own set of skills in this approaching season.