Bulls Willing To Listen To Offers On Lonzo Ball

November 29, 2024

The Chicago Bulls appear ready to hit the reset button, and Lonzo Ball is reportedly part of that equation.

According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Bulls executives have been reaching out to rival front offices, making it known they’re open to discussions about nearly every player on their roster ahead of the February 6 trade deadline. This includes their top-tier talents like Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, and, yes, Ball.

Ball, is in his first season back after a series of knee injuries, still commands significant attention around the league. While his health concerns are a glaring issue, his potential upside could make him an intriguing gamble for teams looking to buy low on a playmaking guard.

Ball’s contract, which pays him $20.5 million this season with a player option for $21.4 million in 2025-26, adds complexity to any potential deal. Still, his defensive instincts, court vision, and 3-point shooting when healthy are skills teams value highly.

The Bulls’ willingness to discuss Ball underscores a larger organizational shift. After starting the season underwhelmingly, Chicago’s front office seems ready to retool, prioritizing draft capital and financial flexibility over trying to salvage a middling roster.

The trio of LaVine, Vucevic, and Ball commands nearly $85 million in combined salary this season, making trades both a financial necessity and a potential path to reshaping the franchise’s future.

While Ball’s trade value is clouded by his injury history, his return this season could serve as part of a larger package.

Basically, as the trade deadline nears, Chicago’s willingness to part with cornerstone players like Ball signals an intent to move toward a younger, more sustainable core.