2021 FREE AGENCY: Markkanen wants out of CHI | DAL "definitely interested"

[F Gump]

Ok so instead of a 2+1 make it 3 years with the 3rd being unguaranteed.

Yes, that would be allowable.

At this point the money has all but dried up. According to Spotrac the only team with cap space right now is the Spurs with 5 mil. The question becomes not "does MLE money entice Markkenen" but rather "does this role allow Markkanen to shine so he can cash in next free agency."

I don't think he'll get that on the Bulls at all. He's expressed interest to come here on the other hand. 

Yes, I get the lack of competitive suitors and his interest in the Mavs. But given his apparent expectations, I bet he would greatly prefer "one year at the MLE followed by another run at free agency" (unrestricted the next time) rather than 3 years at the MLE as a Mavs backup. Like I said, that one-year MLE-ish deal is his any moment he decides it makes sense.

Fair point. I don't see Markknnen at MLE money as an overpay though. Especially because I think he'll shine next to Luka in the Maxi role. He's a fallen angel type where his value can be rebuilt. He's still only 23.

I don't know his value. You may be right, but you might also be basing your projection on his draft position and hype, rather than his actual play. (As it turned out, there was a lot of junk high in that draft around his draft slot, such as DSJ and Ntilikina and many others who followed). And as I think about the contract, if he's only slotted to be a "backup PF" then I'm not sure Dallas would even want him at MLE. My comp for his role, minutes, and price would be Maxi, and Maxi (assuming he's healthy) frankly is more valuable and playable. They already have Maxi. LM's lack of defense is a big deal.

Answered above.