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Toronto Raptors: 3 restricted free agents to go after this offseason

By Jack Long

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 02: Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives against OG Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 02: Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives against OG Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 06: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 06: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

2. Lauri Markkanen, Chicago Bulls

Lauri Markkanen has had a season to forget for the Chicago Bulls. Injury issues and overall inefficiencies have caused him to career lows in most major stats, although his field goal and 3-point percentages are up from past seasons. At 23 years old, Markkanen is still a developing asset with tons of potential.

At 7 feet tall, Markkanen is a big forward who can play center. Despite a fairly wiry frame, Markkanen is strong and plays the game tough, not afraid to go up against some of the bigger and heavier players in the NBA. Toronto could be a good fit for someone with a playing style that didn’t work in Chicago.

Lauri Markkanen would increase the skill in the Toronto Raptors frontcourt.

It’s no secret that the Raptors need help in the frontcourt, especially when it comes to the center position. Khem Birch has been a huge boost and should be a priority when it comes to the Raptors free agency strategy, but help is still needed.

At 23, Markkanen would fit right into the Raptors’ young core and could bring in a unique package of skills for a guy of his size to the power forward or center position. The young Finnish star has a better scoring touch than the likes of Birch and would be a great option at the five or splitting duties with Pascal Siakam at the four.