Thu Feb 06 02:00:00 UTC 2025: **Chicago Bulls Unlikely to Trade or Buy Out Lonzo Ball Before NBA Trade Deadline**
CHICAGO – Despite receiving trade inquiries, the Chicago Bulls are reportedly unwilling to part ways with veteran point guard Lonzo Ball before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. Sources indicate the team isn’t considering a buyout of his expiring contract, even if he remains with the team. In fact, there’s internal interest in re-signing Ball beyond this season, despite his current $21.4 million salary.
Ball’s return from a lengthy knee injury has been deemed successful, although his statistics are down. While his scoring and shooting percentages are career lows, his on-court presence has demonstrably improved the team’s performance by 10.5 points per 100 possessions. His minutes have also steadily increased, reaching a season-high 28 on Sunday.
Due to his injury history and high salary, the Bulls are unlikely to receive substantial trade compensation beyond a second-round pick unless they acquire another contract in return. The team believes retaining Ball’s Bird rights and re-signing him to a more affordable contract in the offseason would be more beneficial than a small return in a trade. The possibility of an in-season extension also remains.
While this stance could be a strategic move to leverage better trade offers, sources close to the team indicate this is their current direction. The decision has sparked considerable debate among fans and analysts, with some questioning the team’s strategy given the presence of other point guards on the roster and the team’s recent trade history. The Bulls’ front office remains tight-lipped, stating they are “not done making moves” before the deadline.
First Piper 