All indications are that New Orleans Pelicans aren’t going to bring back Lonzo Ball and it appears we have a front runner for his services.
Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports said during NBA TV’s free agency special on Saturday that the Chicago Bulls are expected to sign Ball. Haynes added that Ball will only land elsewhere if there is a major “hiccup,” according to Mark Schanowski of ABC-7 in Chicago.
Ball averaged 14.6 points, 5.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game with the Pelicans this season. The Pelicans could still match whatever offer Ball gets but with the price Ball can demand on the open market, it’s unlikely
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The Bull salary cap space will depend on whether it extends Zach LaVine on a max or close-to-max deal. LaVine is eligible for an extension this offseason, but he’s still under contract for another year.
The Bulls do have the ability to create enough space to potentially sign Ball and extend LaVine, but it would require waiving or waiving and stretching several players. If the Bulls are able to sign Ball and add him to their backcourt, it shouldn’t be any reasons why the team doesn’t make the playoffs next season.