Lonzo Ball's status with the Chicago Bulls heading into tomorrow's trade deadline was in question, but not any longer.
Based on breaking news from Shams Charania of ESPN, the 27-year-old floor general will be staying in The Windy City.
Lonzo Ball, Chicago Bulls agree to 2-year extension
Ball will finish his current contract worth $21.4 million this season, but he's sticking around for at least another season, perhaps two, per Charania and K.C. Johnson of CHSN.
The Chicago Bulls and Lonzo Ball have agreed to a two-year, $20 million contract extension, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 6, 2025
Just reported this on @CHSN__ brodcast: The second year of Lonzo Ball's extension is a team option. This is a team-friendly contract that is an asset on the court and off it as a tradeable piece. Ball is beloved by teammates and coaches and looked upon as mentor. This is win-win
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 6, 2025
Ball was a constant in trade rumors for the last few weeks because of his expiring deal and rebound from three knee surgeries over the course of two and a half seasons.
His counting stats of 7.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists don't do his impact justice. The six-year veteran has been a steadying presence on a young Bulls team, especially as the leader of Head Coach Billy Donovan's second unit. His basketball IQ on both ends of the floor and ability to run the offense and defense the way Donovan wants has been invaluable.
Ball's minutes and production have increased as the season's gone along, and his health has progressed. He began the year with a 10-minute playing time restriction, but since Jan. 1, he has played in 16 of Chicago's 18 games with nine starts and has averaged 24.5 minutes per game.
He's also stepped into the role vacated by Zach LaVine after the Bulls star was traded to the Sacramento Kings.
Ball's shooting is beginning to come around as well. Despite shooting just 34.0 percent from three on the season, he's knocked down 38.1 percent of his 7.0 attempts per game since Jan. 10.
Keeping a productive, valuable leader at a position of need on a cheap contract rather than trading him for what likely would have been a second-round pick or two was a wise move for the Bulls' front office.