The Chicago Bulls allegedly rejected a trade proposal for guard Lonzo Ball, who was offered a first-round draft pick, a reputable source says.
Chicago chose not to trade Ball ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline and subsequently signed him to a two-year, $20 million contract extension. If the organization wants to go rebuilding, why it didn't let go of the injury-plagued guard?
Bulls Dedicated to Rebuild, But Avoid a First-Round Pick?
The Bulls' refusal to trade a first-round pick for Ball is questionable, particularly given the team's apparent rebuilding direction. The Athletic's John Hollinger said the trade would have also seen the Bulls absorb future financial obligations of an unknown value.
The recent loss of their best player, Zach LaVine, to the Sacramento Kings was another indication that the franchise is rebuilding. Chicago got a 2025 first-round pick and Zach Collins, Kevin Huerter, and Tre Jones in return—a disappointing return for a player of LaVine's stature.
With this rebuilding process, the front office is anticipated to take every chance to bring in future assets. Passing on a first-round pick for Ball appears counterintuitive, but not all first-round picks are created equal.
If the pick had significant protections or was likely to drop out of the lottery, it may not have affected the Bulls' long-term strategy much.
Lonzo Ball's Trade Value
According to Bleacher Report, Ball has struggled with chronic knee injuries throughout his career, which calls into question his long-term endurance. That said, when healthy, he is still an asset thanks to his intelligent playmaking, perimeter defense, and three-point shooting.
His recent averages of 7.2 points and 3.5 assists in 21.6 minutes per game indicate that he is still in the process of returning to full strength. Yet, his new deal—$10 million annually—makes him a bargain for teams looking for backcourt depth.
If Ball stays healthy and keeps developing, Chicago may see comparable trade offers in the future, even perhaps ones with better terms. His team-friendly contract may make him more desirable to contenders seeking an experienced guard.
Is the Bulls' Front Office Making the Right Moves?
The Bulls' front office has come under fire from fans and pundits alike for its decision-making, questioning whether Artūras Karnišovas and Marc Eversley are the appropriate leaders to take the franchise into the future. The refusal to trade a first-round pick for Ball will come under increased scrutiny if the team does not improve.
But context is everything. If the cost in the proposed deal was too high or the value of the pick was suspect, Chicago might have made the correct decision holding onto Ball for the time being.
© Copyright 2025 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
