New additions that could be long-term pieces for the Chicago Bulls: Lonzo Ball
Two of the biggest free agent signings for the Bulls during the offseason were the former Pelicans point guard and restricted free agent Lonzo Ball and the former star San Antonio Spurs shooting guard/forward DeMar DeRozan. But considering the ages of Lonzo and DeRozan, it’s clear who should be the long-term key pieces for the Bulls between these two.
Lonzo is that elusive point guard of the future that Karnisovas and the Bulls were seeking out entering the offseason. It looks as if the Bulls found their guy in a sign-and-trade deal with the Pelicans to get Lonzo. To get Lonzo to Chicago, the Bulls gave up some draft capital, Temple, and combo guard Tomas Satoransky.
Not only will Lonzo help the Bulls out on the defensive end of the floor, he will help with outside shooting and the facilitation of this offense. Floor spacing, on-ball defense, and another key ball-handler and initiator can be huge for Donovan and the Bulls heading into the season.
And at just 23 years of age, Lonzo still looks to have some growth left in his game. He registered a career-best 1.6 box plus/minus and 3.2 total win shares during the 2020-21 regular season. those numbers should only continue to improve from here on out.
This is a great long-term addition for the Bulls. And since the front office gave him a four-year contract this offseason out of restricted free agency, Lonzo looks like he will be around for a while either way.