Back in February, the Chicago Bulls were rumored to reject a trade offer for Lonzo Ball. That's ahead of the NBA trade deadline. Now, recent reports said that the injury-ridden guard can be shopped to any team.
Ball has been staying in the East for quite a long time, and this could be the best opportunity to explore some teams in the Wild West conference.
Lonzo Ball's Return Sparks Doubt in Chicago
The Bulls are set to redesign their backcourt going into the 2025 NBA season, and Lonzo Ball could be the odd man out. Off two seasons of missing time with chronic knee issues, Ball returned last year in the 2024–25 campaign. But with a good comeback season, the Bulls appear ready to go in another direction, particularly with the signing of up-and-coming star Josh Giddey.
No longer considered the floor general of the Bulls' future, Lonzo Ball re-signed with the Bulls in February 2025 on a two-year, $20 million deal. The contract has a player option for $10 million in the 2025–26 season, a reasonable price for a cerebral, skilled guard. Still, reports Forbes NBA insider Evan Sidery, the Bulls are now willing to trade Ball.
"After agreeing to a two-year, $20 million extension in February, Lonzo Ball will presumably be put into trade discussions by the Bulls," Sidery tweeted on X.
"Ball's $10 million per year salary, including a team option in 2026–27, is easily palatable for title-hungry teams that need guard depth," he added.
Ball played an important role in the Bulls' short playoff run from the DeMar DeRozan–Zach LaVine era, but consistent injuries cut his stride short. Though he looked like his old self while making his comeback, the franchise seems to be focusing on a healthier and more resilient long-term foundation.
Dallas Mavericks Scouting Lonzo Ball Trade
Despite injury concerns related to his health history, Lonzo Ball is a quality asset on the trade market. With his elite court vision, shutdown defense, and enhanced three-point shooting, Ball is the type of high-IQ point guard playoff teams desire.
Per veteran NBA writer Marc Stein via YardBarker, Ball is of interest to Dallas. With the surprising departure of their franchise guard Luka Doncic and with the recurring injuries of another star guard, Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks are hunting for a replacement.
Stein said that the league sources claimed Dallas is keeping an eye on Boston's Jrue Holiday. At the same time, there's a more rational trade target, which is Lonzo Ball.
With Ball's affordable salary and potential to be a playmaker off Luka Dončić, he might be the perfect low-risk, high-reward pickup for the Mavs. The fact that he can guard multiple positions and play as a secondary ballhandler would be a great addition for Dallas.
What Other West Team Can Pick Ball?
If he's healthy, Lonzo Ball can excel in a system that caters to his abilities. In the meantime, the trade rumors persist, and the next installment of Ball's NBA career may well start in the Western Conference.
Speaking of the Western Conference, Ball could also potentially land with the Los Angeles Lakers. The LA town can afford his salary and might give up a few assets from the bench just to get him back.
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