Dallas Mavericks rumors: Lauri Markkanen wants to play for Mavs

The Dallas Mavericks won Game 1 over the LA Clippers, but their first-round playoff series is far from over. Luka Doncic needs to keep up his incredible play, and the role players must continue stepping up for the Mavs to finish off the upset. It promises to be one of the most exciting and entertaining first-round series in 2021.

The Mavericks have an important offseason ahead. They want to jump into title contention. Dallas has one of the five best players in the league in Luka, but they need the supporting pieces around their superstar. The Mavs will have cap space, but the free-agent crop has diminished significantly. How do they improve their roster with Doncic’s rookie max extension looming?

One option is attempting to overpay for restricted free agents. If the opposition matches, the Mavericks could completely strike out in a crucial summer, though. According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, restricted free agent Lauri Markkanen is eager to join Luka and the Mavs as a restricted free agent. Should Dallas make a massive offer for the forward?

Should Dallas Mavericks try to sign Lauri Markkanen this offseason?

Markkanen is a seven-foot big man with plenty of skill. He is a career 36.6 percent 3-point, who nailed over 40 percent this season. Markkanen has proven he can score, rebound, and space the floor during his first four years in Chicago.

There are three trends fans should worry about with 24-year-old. First, his minutes have gone down in each of the last three seasons. He has played in just 153 of the Bulls 219 games over that span. Injuries and his fit next to Kristaps Porzingis have to be worrying for the Mavericks in overpaying to secure his services.

Expect the Dallas Mavericks to give Lauri Markkanen and every free agent a hard look this offseason. They want to jump into title contention and are closer than fans think. The Mavs need another bonafide star to complement Luka Doncic and the strong cast of role players Mark Cuban and Donnie Nelson have already assembled. Stay tuned to see if Dallas can find one this offseason.