After making his return from a long-term knee injury last season, Lonzo Ball managed to appear in just 35 games for the Chicago Bulls. The pass-first point guard dealt with various unrelated injuries throughout the year, limiting his impact on the court.
Despite those setbacks, Ball is expected to be back with the Bulls next season. The team recently signed him to a two-year, $20 million extension, with a team option for the second year. Ball, who missed the final 22 games of the season, offered an encouraging update on his recovery.
“I’m feeling great, man. Back on the court this week,” Ball said on his podcast, What An Experience with Lonzo Ball. “Just moving around. Got a long summer ahead, getting ready for next season.”
Ball is likely to come off the bench under head coach Billy Donovan. His court vision and playmaking ability would bring stability to the second unit when Josh Giddey is resting. Additionally, his on-ball defense — something the Bulls have been lacking — could be a major asset, especially when facing elite scorers.
Still, fans will be hoping Ball eases into the offseason without overexerting himself. He’ll need time to fully regain form, and pushing too hard too soon could lead to more setbacks.
Dallas Mavericks Reportedly Interested in Ball
NBA insider Marc Stein recently noted that the Dallas Mavericks view Ball as a more attainable trade option compared to other targets.
“League sources say Dallas is expected to at least explore whether there are any feasible trade pathways to Boston’s Jrue Holiday — complicated as that would likely be given the three years and $104 million still left on Holiday’s contract — while also maintaining an interest in a far more reasonable trade target as we’ve discussed on the DLLS Mavs podcast: Lonzo Ball,” Stein reported.
Right now, Ball is seen as a “buy-low” candidate. His value around the league is at its lowest, and he’ll need to show he can stay healthy and contribute consistently. A move to Dallas could represent a clean slate for both him and the Bulls.
Ball Appreciates the Bulls’ Support
Speaking on Cameron Brink’s Straight to Cam podcast, Ball expressed gratitude for how the Bulls organization has supported him through his injury battles.
“When you have a good organization behind you, giving you the time to heal, that’s huge,” Ball said. “Shoutout to the Bulls because when I was going through it, a lot of teams might’ve moved on. But they stood by me the whole way… Coming back is never a smooth ride. It really comes down to the work and repetition you put in as a kid. If you haven’t learned that, it can feel like you’re stuck in limbo.”
If he can stay healthy, Ball will almost certainly have a role next season. Whether that will be in Chicago or elsewhere remains to be seen — but for now, Bulls fans will be keeping a close eye on his offseason progress.