3 Teams that could trade for Lonzo Ball next season

One of the biggest X-Factors for the Chicago Bulls next season will be the health of Lonzo Ball, who has missed over two seasons with injuries. 

If he does return, it will make history, as no pro athlete has yet to return from the surgery Ball underwent on his knee.

Ball is confident he’ll be back and has recently participated in scrimmages, so the best-case scenario for the Bulls is that he comes back and plays well. 

If he does, Chicago will have options, including re-signing him to a team-friendly deal to stay on as the backup point guard. 

The Bulls didn’t wait around to find out, as they traded for Josh Giddey to be their point guard of the future, so another option would be to trade Lonzo Ball before next year’s trade deadline. 

If he is healthy, there are teams that could come calling about a trade, which would be a way for the Bulls to recoup on what has been a lost contract. 

Teams that could trade for Lonzo Ball next season 

San Antonio Spurs 

The Spurs already have veteran Chris Paul at point guard to mentor Stephon Castle and throw lobs to Victor Wembanyama, but will the 39-year-old be happy playing out one of his last seasons in that role? 

It’s more likely Paul wants to chase a ring at some point, so it does feel like a mid-season trade to a contender is inevitable. 

In that scenario, Lonzo is a logical replacement, as the Spurs could take a flyer on him for the rest of the season, see how he fits and part ways if he doesn’t. A 3-and-D playmaker who can play off the ball should be a nice fit with Castle and Wemby and the Spurs could likely re-sign him for cheap. 

He’d be a solid counterpart to Castle, who may not be ready for full-time lead guard duties.