The Chicago Bulls are reportedly looking to trade their talented but injury-prone point guard, Lonzo Ball, whose $10 million annual salary and defensive prowess make him an attractive asset for contending teams. According to a recent report from SportsTak, the Bulls are open to moving Ball, who has been sidelined by a recurring wrist injury, as they shift focus toward younger players like Josh Giddey and a potential roster overhaul.
Ball, a former No. 2 overall pick, returned to the NBA in the 2024-25 season after missing over two years due to multiple knee surgeries, including a rare cartilage transplant. His long-awaited comeback was emotional, marked by a standing ovation from Chicago fans during a preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 16, 2024. In that game, Ball scored 10 points in 15 minutes, showcasing his playmaking and defensive instincts. However, his season has been marred by a right wrist sprain suffered on October 28, 2024, against the Memphis Grizzlies, which has limited him to just 35 games this season, averaging 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists.
Despite his injury history, Ball’s $10 million salary, which includes a team option for the 2026-27 season, is considered manageable for teams seeking guard depth. His ability to facilitate, shoot from deep (34.4% from three this season), and provide elite perimeter defense makes him a potential fit for title contenders. Notably, the Dallas Mavericks have been linked to Ball as a possible replacement for the injured Kyrie Irving, who suffered an ACL injury. NBA insider Marc Stein reported that Dallas is exploring trade options, with Ball being a “far more reasonable trade target” compared to other high-profile guards like Jrue Holiday.
After signing a two-year, $20 million extension in February, Lonzo Ball is expected to be made available in trade talks by the Bulls.
Ball’s $10 million annual salary, which includes a team option for 2026-27, is easily digestible for contending teams in need of guard depth. pic.twitter.com/8TwcUpWlDt
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 3, 2025
The Bulls’ decision to explore trading Ball comes as they pivot toward a youth movement. The acquisition of Josh Giddey from the Oklahoma City Thunder signaled a shift, with Giddey viewed as the point guard of the future. With Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu also under contract for the 2025-26 season, Ball’s role has become less certain. Posts on X and reports from sources like ESPN and The Athletic suggest Chicago is open to moving Ball’s $21.4 million expiring contract for second-round draft capital, indicating a desire to clear cap space and acquire assets for a rebuild.
Ball’s injury history remains a concern for potential suitors. Since joining the Bulls in a 2021 sign-and-trade from the New Orleans Pelicans, he has played only 38 of 261 possible regular-season games due to persistent knee issues and the recent wrist injury. Despite these setbacks, Ball’s resilience and on-court impact when healthy—evidenced by his 13 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game in the 2021-22 season—make him a high-upside gamble for teams willing to take the risk.
The Bulls’ reported willingness to trade Ball, alongside veteran center Nikola Vucevic, suggests a broader strategy to reshape the roster while remaining competitive. As one X post noted, “The Bulls are trying to change this roster over,” with an emphasis on balancing youth and competitiveness. For Ball, a trade could offer a fresh start with a contending team, where his defensive tenacity and playmaking could shine in a complementary role.
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the basketball world will be watching closely to see where Lonzo Ball, once heralded as a potential elite point guard, lands next. His journey, marked by perseverance through unprecedented injuries, continues to captivate fans and analysts alike.