Where we go from here
We’ve discussed plenty as to what a Lonzo Ball trade would do for, or what harm would be caused to, the Chicago Bulls for the next few years. At least Ball is still on his rookie contract. A breakthrough would mean a big payday for Lonzo since the combination of his raw talent and marketability would command a large price tag.
However, Lonzo has yet to register a player efficiency rating higher than 13 in either of his two seasons in the NBA thus far. There are spurts from him, but nothing that shined through for a good stretch of time. He has a long way to go before his skill set rounds out and he can truly come near his high ceiling.
The reports that the Chicago Bulls and Knicks were the two preferred landing spots for Ball dated back to the end of January, according to the LA Times. That’s when the trade rumors between the Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans really started to heat up amid the superstar Anthony Davis talks. Those eventually fell through and the Lakers wound up retaining Ball.
Acquiring Lonzo had to sound a lot better a year ago than it does now. He’s spent a good portion of his two seasons in the NBA thus far injured and/or getting over on-the-court struggles. Finding the right landing spot and rhythm could be the answer for him, but the Bulls shouldn’t go down this rabbit hole if it can be avoided.