In light of his troubling performance in the bubble, New Orleans point guard Lonzo Ball has been the subject of many trade rumors. After averaging 12.4 points, 7.0 assists, and 6.2 rebounds on shooting 38.3% from beyond the arc in the regular season, the third-year guard averaged around 5.7 points, 7.0 assists, and 5.3 rebounds on 19.2% three-point shooting in Orlando.
According to numerous reports, Lonzo appeared “checked out” in the bubble and it could be what causes his exit in the offseason.
So, if they do decide to trade him, where might he end up? The latest whispers are drawing a connection between him and the New York Knicks.
The Knicks are expected to pursue a Lonzo Ball trade this offseason, per league source.
“Knicks want Ball as their franchise point guard” pic.twitter.com/yUXqFERlrY
— Hoops Provider (@HoopsProvider_) August 25, 2020
The Knicks have struggled to find a franchise star since trading away Carmelo Anthony in 2017. With RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson, they’ve got two promising young pieces to develop — and with Lonzo, they can add another one.
As a premier ball-handler and above-average defender, Ball would be a great fit in coach Tom Thibodeau’s defense-heavy system.
But do the Knicks have enough assets to get him? That much remains to be seen, but the team certainly stands to gain a lot from his presence.
