Lauri Markkanen, Chicago Bulls. Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images
Lauri Markkanen, Chicago Bulls. Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers made their surprise move of the offseason weeks after the dust had cleared, trading forward Larry Nance Jr. for a mirror version in Lauri Markkanen. Where Nance is a veteran defensive force, new Cavs big man Markkanen is a young sharpshooter.
With Lauri Markkanen a restricted free agent, and the Cavs over the cap, the deal was a sign-and-trade that was expanded to include three teams. The Portland Trail Blazers are taking back Nance, while they send Derrick Jones Jr.