Hornets emerge as serious suitor for Lauri Markkanen

The Charlotte Hornets are preparing to engage in serious discussions with Chicago Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen about a contract once restricted free agents can sign offer sheets on Friday, sources tell The Athletic.

Source: Shams Charania/The Athletic

ANALYSIS: Markkanen has yet to pan out during his first four seasons in the NBA, but the potential is still immense with the 7-foot stretch forward. Averaging 15.6 points and 7.1 rebounds while shooting 36.6% on three-pointers during his stint in Chicago, Markkanen provides a unique floor-spacing element to any offense. Yet to play a full season in his career, the one issue with Markkanen has been health.

In Charlotte, Markkanen would provide young star point guard LaMelo Ball another shooter who still has untapped upside in the right situation.