NBA Rumors: 5 teams who could trade for Lonzo Ball

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 06: Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts against the Miami Heat during a game at the Smoothie King Center on March 06, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

2 of 5

Credit: Stacy Revere/Getty Images /

4. Chicago Bulls

While John Paxson somehow still lingers in the organization as a senior advisor, the Bulls have moved on from the much-maligned (well deserved, by the way) “GarPax” era led by Paxson and former GM Gar Forman. New head of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley will be searching a new head coach after firing Jim Boylen.

Chicago has had their own disappointing young point guard in Kris Dunn. They can ultimately control him as a restricted free agent this offseason via a qualifying offer, but a sign-and-trade can be done if Dunn does not sign an offer sheet with another team. Maybe the new regime just lets Dunn go, but the promise of better health and a more player-friendly new coach might make it a tougher decision.

Dunn could be part of a deal that would send Ball to Chicago, if New Orleans wanted him. Lauri Markkanen reportedly became disenchanted with the direction of the team this season, fueling speculation about a desire to be elsewhere. Trading him would be remarkably stupid on the surface. But as Karnisovas and Eversley reshape the Bulls, Markkanen is also a prime trade asset if his unhappiness is too far gone to be repaired.

Ball and Zach LaVine, assuming he stays around long-term (Boylen’s dismissal will only help), would give the Bulls two enviable core pieces, with Markkanen (?), Coby White, the No. 4 pick in this year’s draft and a hopefully healthy Wendell Carter Jr. It’s possible, though not all that likely now, that LaVine could go to New Orleans in a deal for Ball. Rumors surfaced last year pointing to the Bulls as a facilitator of a three-team deal that would land Anthony Davis in Los Angeles, as Ball reportedly “intrigued” them. Even with a new front office and incoming coach, Ball is still an interesting fit with the Bulls.

I would automatically put Dunn in a deal to New Orleans for Ball, if the mechanics can be worked out. But a pure 2-for-1 with Markkanen and guard Ryan Arcidiacono going to the Pelicans would work too.

Home/New Orleans Pelicans