Lonzo Ball’s days with the New Orleans Pelicans may be numbered. Like Shams Charania from The Athletic reports the Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors are interested in signing the Point Guard.
Accordingly, it is highly unlikely that New Orleans would match a “significant” offer for Ball. The franchise would be able to do this, as the 23-year-old becomes a restricted free agent. But the future of the former number 2 pick doesn’t seem to lie with the Pelicans.
There is great interest in Ball, according to Shams, he expects an annual salary in the range of 20 to 22 million dollars. The Bulls tried to make an acquisition before the trade deadline, but could not reach an agreement with the Pels on a trade. While the Celtics are looking for a new playmaker following the departure of Kemba Walker, Ball could replace Kyle Lowry in Toronto, who becomes an unrestricted free agent.
The Pacers, on the other hand, are actually well positioned with Malcolm Brogdon in the point guard position, but rumors have recently increased that Brogdon is not part of the long-term planning in Indianapolis. Zach Lowe from ESPN called a sign-and-trade deal for Ball “one of the hottest rumors” in the league.
Ball was drafted by the Lakers in 2017 and landed in New Orleans two years later as part of the Davis trade. In 118 games he has since averaged 13.1 points, 6.4 assists and 5.5 rebounds at 40.9 percent from the field and 37.6 percent from a distance.
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