Dallas Mavericks

Report: There’s a ’30 or 40 percent’ chance that Lauri Markkanen ends up on the Mavericks

Published by
Jason Simpson

One NBA insider thinks there’s a “30 or 40 percent” chance that big man Lauri Markkanen will end up with the Dallas Mavericks.

Additionally, the Chicago Bulls seem to have interest in Maxi Kleber.

“I would also put the odds at Markkanen ending up in Dallas at 30 or 40 percent,” wrote Tim Cato of The Athletic.

Markkanen has spent his entire four-year career with the Bulls to this point. Meanwhile, Kleber has spent his entire four-year career with the Mavericks. It sounds like the two players could switch uniforms for the 2021-22 season and possibly beyond.

“Dallas could offer Markkanen, say, a three-year deal worth $44 million and send back about $10 million in offsetting salary in a direct trade not involving its TPE,” Cato continued. “I’ve heard Chicago has interest in Kleber; it’s a riskier deal for Dallas giving up both a rotational player and signing Markkanen to a higher salary point. It might be a worthwhile gamble, although you would have to really talk me into it. Kleber has been the better player in past seasons — or, at least, the more useful one for a team with postseason aspirations. He’s struggled in both postseasons, but he was injured throughout the most recent series against the [Los Angeles] Clippers.”

Markkanen would be a flashy addition for the Mavericks. Dallas is still trying to get superstar Luka Doncic some help, and Markkanen would be a nice piece. In the 2020-21 season, he averaged 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.

The most valuable part of the 24-year-old’s game arguably is his ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc. He was a 40.2 percent 3-point shooter this past season.

As for Kleber, he could make an impact with Chicago. The Bulls have had a stellar offseason so far, and Kleber would add some depth in the frontcourt.

The 29-year-old averaged 7.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game during the 2020-21 season.

Jason Simpson

Jason is a copy writer and editor with experience covering professional sports and current events. He is excited about being a part of the Ahn Fire Digital team.

Published by
Jason Simpson

Recent Posts

‘Wtf’: Trae Young reacts to Rashad McCants saying he could score 81 points like Kobe Bryant

Back in January of 2006, former Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant put on one…

2 hours ago

Rashad McCants says he could’ve won ROTY but had a coach who was ‘shaking in the motherf——g huddle’

Former NBA guard Rashad McCants was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the last lottery…

2 hours ago

Chandler Parsons says Jaylen Brown would be best player on over half of NBA teams, including some playoff teams

The Boston Celtics were without maybe their top player for Wednesday's Game 2 versus the…

2 hours ago

‘Spo gonna Spo’: Cavs player gives Erik Spoelstra his flowers after Heat’s near-upset in Game 2

The odds were stacked against the Miami Heat to pick up a win in Game…

3 hours ago

Report: Will Campbell landing with Patriots may depend on whether team gets ‘fair deal’ to trade down

As a consolation prize for a woeful 2024 season that was marred by losing, the…

3 hours ago

Report: ‘Most of the league’ has been contacted about Jalen Ramsey, including Rams, Lions and Eagles

Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey is one of the more notable players in the league…

3 hours ago