Lonzo Ball is one of the bright stories in the league. After being away from basketball for two and a half seasons, he has returned to playing. Ball is 27 years old, and if he can remain healthy, could be a trade target. It is why we continue to hear Lonzo Ball trade rumors. It seems like the Bulls are reportedly not looking for a lot in return.
3 Teams That Make Sense for Lonzo Ball
Lonzo Balk Trade Rumors Could Involve These Teams
According to a report from Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun Times, the Bulls have set a low price for Ball. Here is what he said,
“A solid next few weeks from Ball could start generating some interest, especially because he is working on an expiring contract, and all the Bulls would be looking to do is swap an expiring contract as well as grab a few possible second-rounders in the deal.”
This makes Ball an interesting buy-low option for teams looking for a backup point guard who can distribute the ball and run the offense. Here are three teams that might make sense. The NBA trade deadline is set for February 6.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder are an interesting option because they have no need for Lonzo in the long term, but they could certainly use him this year. While they wait for their young players to develop playmaking skills, the Thunder can use Ball for 10 to 15 minutes. He would be reunited with his old defensive friend, Alex Caruso.
The Thunder’s recent loss in the NBA Emirates Cup showed they need more playmaking besides Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. When he is having an off night, which doesn’t happen often, their offense can get a bit stagnant. Ball would certainly fix that, and before his injury, he proved to be an average three-point shooter.
The big challenge for the Thunder is finding an expiring contract. Sam Presti could work his magic though in finding a way to cook up a deal.
Los Angeles Lakers
Ball was originally drafted by the Lakers as their future point guard and a building block. When an opportunity presented to trade for Anthony Davis, Ball was out of the door. There are some Ball to the Lakers rumors, and we will wait and see whether that materializes.
The Lakers certainly have expiring contracts, for example, swapping D’Angelo Russell for Ball. They also have two second-round picks in 2025, their own and one from the Clippers.
The question is whether the Lakers want to do such a swap. Most Lakers rumors suggest they are looking for a bigger name to pair alongside LeBron James and AD, and not someone they will use only for this year. Yet, if they cannot find another trade, getting Ball back could turn into a consolation prize.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks, fresh off winning their Emirates NBA Cup title, look like a much better team. The memory of being 2-8 to start the season is gone, and the Bucks are now looking to make some noise in the Eastern Conference. Currently in the fifth spot, they are tied in the loss column with the Orlando Magic who are fourth.
The Bucks could use someone to play backup minutes behind Damian Lillard, and Ball fills a need. Ball is also the type of player they can trade for and make small improvements around the edges. The Bucks are low on picks, and only have their second-round pick in 2031 to offer. The problem is the only expiring the Bucks have is Brook Lopez. Do they want to swap a center for a backup point guard?
Health Concerns Challenge Lonzo Ball Trade Rumors
Ball has been ruled out for Thursday’s game against the Hawks with illness. He will remain sidelined after being listed as doubtful. There might be some injury concerns, but that will not stop the Lonzo Ball trade rumors from floating around. The Bulls want to make changes this year, and everything points toward trading their veterans.
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