Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball was one of the more sought-after free agents this NBA offseason. Despite being a restricted free agent, meaning the New Orleans Pelicans could match any offer sheet that he signed, there were numerous teams that were linked to him as potential suitors.
Ball and the Bulls eventually agreed to a four-year, $85 million deal that was completed as a sign-and-trade deal. Tomas Satorasnky, Garrett Temple, cash and a 2024 second-round pick were sent to the Pelicans in the deal.
It was surprising to see the Pelicans not match the offer sheet the Bulls agreed to with Ball, but Chicago is certainly glad to have him. He has been a big part of the team turning things around this season as they are currently tied for the second-best record in the Eastern Conference with the Miami Heat.
In addition to the Pelicans, the New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors were all mentioned as possibilities. His former team, the Los Angeles Lakers, was also mentioned as an interested team.
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Ultimately, he chose the Bulls. In a recent interview with UPROXX, Ball explained what led him to head to the Windy City in free agency.
“I feel like the Bulls were just a team that stood out. They wanted me the most for me and didn’t want me to do anything outside of my element. They wanted the player I am already and they were behind me 100 percent from start to finish. So for me, it was a pretty easy decision. As you can see, that’s why I signed so early on in free agency. Like I said, they just stuck out to me and it’s always nice to have somebody want you.”
The Bulls certainly wanted Lonzo Ball to land with them. So much so that a tampering investigation was opened as they may have broken some rules contacting him so early.
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Chicago needed an upgrade at the point guard spot and identified the former UCLA Bruin as the player they wanted. He has been great for them and he mentioned that head coach Billy Donovan and All-Star Zach LaVine were two of the draws of joining the Bulls.
“It’s really talking to (head coach) Billy (Donovan) and Zach (LaVine) about how they wanted to play. Obviously, I know guarding Zach and having played against him for the last couple years, the type of talent he was. Any time you have a wing like that and a coach that wants you to play your style of play, it was very appealing, especially for a player like myself and made the decision a lot easier.”
Things have certainly gone well thus far, as the Chicago Bulls are 13-7 on the season. They are looking to cement themselves among the playoff contenders in the Eastern Conference and are well on their way to accomplishing that.
