(670 The Score) The speculation continues to grow regarding a potential union between point guard Lonzo Ball and the Bulls.
The sides would like Ball to land in Chicago in “a perfect world,” ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski said on the Woj & Lowe Draft Special podcast Sunday. Of course, the catch is that Ball is a restricted free agent, so the Pelicans can match any offer sheet to retain him – even though they’re ready to move on from him, as Wojnarowski explained.
“In a perfect world for both Lonzo Ball and the Chicago Bulls, they end up together,” Wojnarowski said. “But as you said, it’s restricted free agency, which means the Pelicans can match an offer sheet from Chicago. They can also a sign-and-trade and get some assets. Or they can just let him go.
Remember, we know New Orleans would like to get involved with Kyle Lowry, and I think there’s a sense to them perhaps being resigned that Lonzo Ball won’t be on their team next year. But can they – even if they match an offer sheet, now you have him as an asset.”
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The Bulls and Pelicans engaged in trade discussions on Ball last March ahead of the deadline before Chicago pivoted and acquired All-Star center Nikola Vucevic for center Wendell Carter Jr. and two first-round draft picks.
“The Bulls and Pelicans talked about Lonzo Ball at the trade deadline, and I thought they kind of got close,” Wojnarowski said. “They were dancing around and I think in the end, there was just some draft capital that the Bulls resisted putting in. They obviously used picks to get Vucevic.”
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Ball, 23, averaged 14.6 points and 5.7 assists in 31.8 minutes across 55 games last season. He shot 37.8% on 3-pointers. He’s also a strong defender.
If the Bulls can’t land Ball when free agency opens Monday, they could pivot to a familiar face to address their point guard need at a lower price – Derrick Rose, who won the MVP award for the Bulls in 2011 and is coming off a strong season for the Knicks.
“Derrick Rose is another name in Chicago – I don’t think he’s necessarily at the top of their priority list, but if he doesn’t return to New York, is there a role for Derrick Rose with the Bulls?” Wojnarowski said. “I just think there are a lot of contingencies all these teams are working through.”