Restricted free agents worth spending lavishly on for the Chicago Bulls: Lonzo Ball
The looming restricted free agent that everyone is talking about in relation to the Bulls (including myself) entering the summer months is the fourth-year 6-foot-6 and 190-pound New Orleans Pelicans point guard Lonzo Ball. The former Lakers’ second overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft out of the UCLA Bruins basketball program is set to be one of the most high-profile restricted free agents in 2021.
Not only would Lonzo be a solid signing for the Bulls to help the former Oklahoma City Thunder and Florida Gators head coach Donovan heading into his second year at the helm, but he could also effectively round out the starting unit. Especially with the recent injury news for second-year point guard Coby White, the Bulls have some urgency to finding a solution at the one in the starting unit.
Lonzo is a good defender, true playmaker, and an ever-improving shooter from deep both off-the-dribble and in the catch-and-shoot game. His value to the Bulls would be paramount, and it looks like Karnisovas and Eversley already tried to trade for him at the deadline. A busy deadline day back on March 25 just didn’t afford enough time and resources for the Bulls to get a deal done with the Pelicans to land Lonzo, though.
Despite Lonzo likely commanding a lofty price tag, maybe even north of $20 million annually on his next contract, that should be something the Bulls’ front office is willing to consider. There is the possibility that either a sign-and-trade deal or a lengthy bidding war exists for the Bulls, and other suitors around the NBA, to top Lonzo’s offer sheet this summer.