Despite their acquisition of Nikola Vucevic at the trade deadline, the Chicago Bulls ended up missing the playoffs this season. This free agency period will be key for their chances next season, as it will give the team the opportunity to acquire more talent and potentially push for a spot in the playoffs. It seems as though the first step to the Chicago Bulls has been made.
Lonzo Ball has recently signed with the Chicago Bulls, giving them a natural point guard and facilitator next to scorer Zach LaVine. Lonzo Ball will bring a defensive presence to the perimeter as well.
Lonzo Ball has agreed to a four-year, $85 million deal with the Chicago Bulls, CEO of Klutch Sports Rich Paul tells @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 2, 2021
The Chicago Bulls are sending Tomas Satoransky, Garrett Temple and a second-round pick to New Orleans for Lonzo Ball, who's signing a four-year, $85M contract, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 2, 2021
FULL TRADE DETAILS:
Pelicans receive:
Tomas Satoransky
Garrett Temple
2nd-round pick
Bulls receive:
Lonzo Ball on a 4-year, $85M deal.
— Fadeaway World (@FadeawayWorld) August 2, 2021
For the New Orleans Pelicans, this seems like a good deal that will get them something in return for Lonzo Ball. Tomas Satoransky in particular is a solid role player, and any pick has some value. It is certainly better than just letting Lonzo Ball leave in free agency, as the pieces from this deal could potentially be traded later down the line.
It seems as though playing on the Bulls could be a new opportunity for Lonzo Ball, perhaps one where he has a bigger role. It is clear that a backcourt of LaVine and Ball will complement each other very well, and perhaps we’ll see them make the playoffs next season. It was clear that the Bulls needed to add some talent around Zach LaVine to make themselves a playoff-level team, and there could be more to come.
It remains to be seen if the Chicago Bulls make any more moves, but this is certainly a good start for them. Hopefully, the front office continues to improve the roster, and perhaps we’ll see the Chicago Bulls in the playoffs once again.
