Lauri Markkanen is happy to be in Cleveland and he believes he can grow his game even further while on the Cavaliers.
“I don’t think I’ve hit close to my ceiling yet,” Markkanen said (via KC Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago). “… The last couple years have been mentally pretty tough. I’ve grown as a person because of that, so I wouldn’t change it…I’m really excited and looking forward. We kind of felt like I needed a fresh start.”
The sign-and-trade deal for Markkanen may signal the end of Kevin Love‘s era in Cleveland, though the big man isn’t interested in negotiating a buyout from the team. Assuming Love remains around, Markkanen is excited to learn from the vet.
“I can’t wait to learn from a player like Kevin Love. Just learn aspects of the game from him and the mentality of the game, how he approaches it. I’m looking forward to that as well,” Markkanen added.
Blazers Wanted to Add Lauri Markkanen Before Three-Team Trade
The Blazers had hoped they could find a way to acquire Lauri Markkanen before the Cavs ultimately brought on the former No. 7 overall pick, K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports reports. The franchise wasn’t willing to give up the draft picks necessary to bring the power forward to town, however.
Portland was part of the three-team, sign-and-trade that sent Markkanen to Cleveland. Larry Nance Jr. came to the Blazers as part of the deal.
Markkanen has been the subject of trade rumors dating back to the beginning of last season when he and the Bulls couldn’t agree to an extension.
The Mavs and Pelicans were among the teams linked to the power forward but reports of the Cavs’ interest weren’t particularly loud; rumors of the Blazers’ interest were non-existent.
The Blazers have made some nice additions to their roster this offseason with Nance, McLemore, and the re-signing of Norman Powell. Whether it will be enough to quiet the Damian Lillard-leaving-Portland noise remains to be seen.
