Lauri Markkanen
Photo: NBC Sports

Dallas Mavericks are in a constant search to improve their core around Luka Doncic, and Lauri Markkanen could possibly be one of the players the Mavs are interested in signing.

NBA insider Kevin O’Connor brought up this possibility in a recent appearance on The Mismatch podcast, claiming that Dallas and Charlotte could possibly involve in a sign-and-trade deal for Markkanen.

“One other team to watch for (Lauri) Markkanen is the Dallas Mavericks,” O’Connor said, via DallasBasketball.com. “I’ve heard they also have interest, so there’s some sign-&-trade possibilities involving him with Charlotte & Dallas.”

During the 2020-21 season, Markkanen averaged 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds in 25.8 minutes over 51 games with the Chicago Bulls. He finished the season shooting 48.0 percent from deep on four attempts per game.

The Bulls are not expected to keep Markkanen after signing Alex Caruso, DeMar DeRozan and Lonzo Ball, and the Dallas Mavericks could use another big, who can be an effective shooter from three-point range.

The Hornets are also interested in signing Markkanen, Shams Charania reported on Thursday. It only remains to be seen if the forward from Finland will be playing with Luka Doncic next season.