Lauri Markkanen, Chicago Bulls. Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers finally made a free agency move! But it might not be the one many expected. The Cavs acquired Lauri Markkanen via sign-and-trade from the Chicago Bulls in a three-team deal that included the Portland Trail Blazers. In the deal, the Trail Blazers received Larry Nance Jr., the Bulls received Derrick Jones Jr., a protected first, and a second-round pick, and the Cavaliers received Lauri Markkanen, paying the seven-footer $67 million over four years.
Initial reactions seem to be even on this deal; the Cavs acquire a unique young player but give up a beloved player that improved the culture of the team.