The NBA trade deadline has passed, and the Bulls were clear sellers, trading away Zach LaVine. However, they chose to keep Lonzo Ball—not only that, but they also shocked fans by extending his contract. Ball agreed to a two-year, $20 million deal with Chicago, with a team option for the second year. This could give the Bulls a valuable trade asset next season. However, new reports suggest the Bulls may have already passed on a lucrative offer for Ball at this deadline. According to John Hollinger of The Athletic, Chicago had an offer to receive a first-round pick in exchange for Ball while taking on future salary. Instead, they opted to extend him.
"According to a league source, the Bulls had a firm offer to get a first-round pick and take on future money for Lonzo Ball and extended him instead."
Once again, the Bulls front office appears to be overthinking things. While Lonzo’s return is a feel-good story, and he may prove he can stay healthy and contribute at a high level, the team is in rebuilding mode. Accumulating first-round picks should be a priority if they truly want to accelerate the process. Chicago isn’t currently paying big contracts, so absorbing some future salary wouldn’t have been a major issue. Passing on a first-round pick for Ball seems like yet another questionable decision.
But at this point, should we really be surprised? Especially after the front office traded Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Alex Caruso without acquiring a single additional first-round pick? Artūras Karnišovas has simply been an awful hire. However, it seems his job is unfortunately safe for the time-being.
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