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No Longer Valuable, Chicago Bulls Reportedly Seek to Trade $10M Injury-Sidelined Guard

Posted on June 6, 2025 - 3:33 am by

The Chicago Bulls are stirring up the NBA trade market with reports that they’re looking to move Lonzo Ball, their $10 million point guard who made a triumphant return in 2024-25 after a two-year injury hiatus. With younger talent like Josh Giddey taking the reins, the Bulls seem ready to part ways with the former high school star. Rumors link Ball to the Dallas Mavericks, who are scrambling to fill the void left by Kyrie Irving’s ACL injury. This article dives into the trade proposal, Ball’s value, and what it means for both the Bulls and potential suitors like Dallas.

Lonzo Ball’s Comeback and the Bulls’ Shifting Priorities

Lonzo Ball’s return to the court on October 23, 2024, marked a significant moment for the Chicago Bulls, as it was his first game since January 14, 2022. After missing over two years due to persistent knee injuries, Ball averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists across 35 games in the 2024-25 season. His contributions helped the Bulls reach the 2022 playoffs during the DeMar DeRozan-Zach LaVine era, showcasing his playmaking and defensive versatility as a 6-foot-6 point guard.

However, the Bulls’ roster has evolved. The emergence of Josh Giddey, acquired in a 2024 trade, has given Chicago a younger, healthier option at point guard. Giddey’s 12.3 points and 6.4 assists per game in 2024-25 signal a shift toward building around youth. In February 2025, Ball signed a two-year, $20 million extension with a $10 million player option for 2026-27, a contract that’s easily tradable for contending teams. According to Forbes’ Evan Sidery, the Bulls are now actively shopping Ball, signaling a move away from the DeRozan-LaVine core as they focus on a new era.

The Trade Proposal: A Dallas Mavericks Connection

The Dallas Mavericks have emerged as a prime destination for Ball, per NBA insider Marc Stein. With Kyrie Irving sidelined by a season-ending ACL injury, Dallas is desperate for backcourt help to complement Luka Dončić. Ball’s $10 million salary is a bargain for a player with his experience, making him an attractive target for a contender. His ability to facilitate (career 6.2 assists per game) and defend multiple positions could stabilize Dallas’ offense and shore up their perimeter defense, which has struggled without Irving.

A proposed one-for-one trade could see the Bulls send Ball to Dallas for Caleb Martin, who has three years left on a four-year, $35 million deal. Martin, a versatile 6-foot-5 wing, averaged 10.0 points and 4.4 rebounds in 2024-25, offering Chicago a two-way player to bolster their frontcourt. This swap aligns with the Bulls’ youth movement, as Martin (29) fits their timeline better than Ball (27), whose injury history remains a concern. Alternatively, Dallas is also exploring a more ambitious trade for Boston’s Jrue Holiday, but his $104 million contract over three years makes Ball a more feasible option.

Ball’s Value: A Low-Risk, High-Reward Option

For a contending team like Dallas, Ball represents a low-risk, high-reward addition. His 2024-25 performance, though modest, showed flashes of his pre-injury form, particularly his court vision and defensive IQ. In his 35 games, Ball shot 42.3% from three, a career-high, making him a valuable floor-spacer alongside Dončić. His injury history—missing 194 games from 2022 to 2024—is a red flag, but his $10 million salary mitigates the risk for a team needing immediate help.

For the Bulls, moving Ball frees up cap space and roster spots for younger players like Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White, who are central to their rebuild. Trading Ball for Martin would add defensive grit and versatility, addressing Chicago’s 23rd-ranked defensive rating in 2024-25. However, losing Ball’s playmaking could hurt, especially if Zach LaVine is also traded, as rumored. The Bulls must weigh whether Martin’s immediate contributions outweigh Ball’s potential upside if he stays healthy.

The Bigger Picture: Bulls’ Rebuild and Mavericks’ Title Push

The Bulls’ decision to shop Ball reflects a broader shift toward rebuilding. With DeRozan now in Sacramento and LaVine on the trade block, Chicago is prioritizing flexibility and youth. Giddey, White, and Patrick Williams form a promising core, but the team’s 31-51 record in 2024-25 underscores the need for a clear direction. Trading Ball could net assets to accelerate their rebuild, especially if paired with a LaVine deal to acquire draft picks or young talent.

For Dallas, Ball could be a critical piece in their championship puzzle. Dončić’s MVP-caliber season (33.9 points, 9.2 assists) kept the Mavericks competitive, but Irving’s absence leaves a gaping hole. Ball’s ability to handle secondary playmaking duties and defend opposing guards could keep Dallas in the Western Conference race. However, pursuing Holiday, a proven playoff performer, might tempt Dallas more, though his contract’s complexity could steer them toward the more affordable Ball.

The Chicago Bulls’ reported plan to trade Lonzo Ball signals a new chapter for the franchise, while sparking intrigue for contenders like the Dallas Mavericks. Ball’s $10 million contract and two-way potential make him a tantalizing target, but his injury history adds risk to any deal. For the Bulls, moving Ball could accelerate their rebuild, while Dallas sees him as a key to staying in title contention. As the NBA offseason heats up, will this trade reshape the league’s landscape? Fans are buzzing, and the basketball world awaits the next move.