New Orleans Pelicans point guard Lonzo Ball is one of the premiere names available on the trading block as the NBA's 3 p.m trade deadline on Thursday nears.
Ball, 23, is also a pending restricted free agent this summer. According to NBA Insider Sam Amick, the point guard is looking for a $20 million per year deal on his next contract — something each suitor will need to consider when offering a trade for him.
While the Pelicans could very well choose to keep Ball, he is reportedly receiving plenty of interest around the league, and the team prefers a first-round pick or a young player in return for the star, per Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer.
Here are some of his potential landing sports.
Philadelphia 76ers
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The Sixers have emerged late as a contender in the Ball sweepstakes, eyeing him as an alternative to Raptors guard Kyle Lowry, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Ball would certainly be an intriguing fit in a Sixers offense with Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. He has always been a top tier distributor, but he has significantly improved his shooting, averaging 38.5% from beyond the arc and attempting 7.8 three-point shots a game.
The Sixers, meanwhile, average the third-fewest three-point attempts per game this season. Ball would also join Simmons and Embiid as some of the most respectable defensive players in the league, which could catapult the Sixers' defense as one of the best in the league.
Chicago Bulls
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Ball would be an excellent fit in Chicago to complement Zach LaVine. Not only would he be a fit on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor as the Bulls make a run at the playoffs, but Ball could be an option for Chicago in the long haul.
The Bulls have plenty of cap space to make Ball an attractive offer to stick around beyond the 2021 season. Even if the Pelicans choose not to trade Ball, the Bulls will likely continue to pursue him in the offseason and force New Orleans' hand to match an offer.
The Bulls also have a compelling trade piece of their own in Lauri Markannen that could sweeten any deal but he may not be the right fit for New Orleans, Yet, as RADIO.COM's Jordan Cohn wrote, even if the Pelicans are not interested in Markannen, there is always the possibility of getting a third team involved to make it happen.
Atlanta Hawks
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The Hawks are in a very similar position as the Bulls when it comes to pursuing Lonzo Ball. They have a star in Trae Young that he could work off of, plus, they also have cap space to make Ball a long-term offer this offseason, per Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer.
The Hawks are also an intriguing option because of the way they have been playing lately. Atlanta is 8-1 under new head coach Nate McMillan, improving to 22-21 and moving into fourth place in the Eastern Conference.
The Hawks, per O'Connor, are also willing to include Cam Reddish in a potential deal for Ball.
New York Knicks
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While the Knicks traded for veteran Derrick Rose and have enjoyed the success of rookie Immanuel Quickley, they still appear to be intent on bolstering their backcourt with a pursuit of Ball as they fight for a playoff spot.
According to NBA reporter Mike Mazzeo, the Knicks have been in talks with the Pelicans regarding Ball but New Orleans is looking to unload Eric Bledsoe's contract in a potential deal. This has the Knicks looking for a third team to take on Bledsoe's contract.
While the Knicks reportedly are wary of also disrupting the current chemistry on the team, Ball would be a significant addition. The Knicks actually average fewer 3-point attempts per game than the Sixers, although, they are efficient when they do shoot the 3-ball, averaging 37.7%.
It's possible the Knicks prefer to pursue Ball this summer, where it would not cost them any draft capital, but that is also a risk if the Bulls or Hawks happen to land him and get an inside track to extension talks.
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