The Chicago Bulls are reportedly looking to reshape their backcourt, and that starts with making Lonzo Ball available on the trade market. After missing two full seasons due to injury, the 6-foot-6 point guard made his long-awaited return during the 2024-25 NBA season. But with the arrival of Josh Giddey, a younger and healthier guard option, Ball’s future in Chicago is suddenly uncertain.
Ball, who re-signed with the Bulls in February on a two-year, $20 million contract, has a $10 million player option for the 2025-26 season. According to Forbes writer Evan Sidery, Chicago is now open to moving him.
“After signing a two-year, $20 million extension in February, Lonzo Ball is expected to be made available in trade talks by the Bulls,” Sidery posted on X. “Ball’s $10 million annual salary, which includes a team option for 2026-27, is easily digestible for contending teams in need of guard depth.”
Lonzo Ball was a key part of the Bulls’ short-lived playoff run during the DeMar DeRozan–Zach LaVine era, but recurring knee injuries derailed his momentum. Though he showed flashes of his old self in his return, Chicago appears ready to turn the page.
Lonzo Ball Drawing Interest From the Western Conference
Despite his injury history, Lonzo Ball remains a hot name on the trade market thanks to his high basketball IQ, defensive versatility, and improved shooting. One team showing early interest is the Dallas Mavericks, who are dealing with the loss of Kyrie Irving to an ACL injury.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Ball is a realistic trade target for the Mavericks, who are searching for a steady ballhandler to complement Luka Dončić.
“League sources say Dallas is expected to at least explore whether there are any feasible trade pathways to Boston’s Jrue Holiday,” Stein shared. “Complicated as that would likely be given the three years and $104 million still left on Holiday’s contract, Dallas is also maintaining an interest in a far more reasonable trade target as we’ve discussed on the DLS Mavs podcast: Lonzo Ball.”
With a team-friendly contract and plenty of upside, Ball could land in the Wild Wild West and play a pivotal role for a playoff contender like the Mavs. Whether it’s Dallas or another suitor, Lonzo Ball’s next chapter may soon be underway.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
