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Dallas Mavericks: $40 Million Big Listed as Feb 26, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) shoots against LA Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. (55) during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

NBA Trade Rumors: Lonzo Ball To Be Shopped By Chicago Bulls

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 9:04 AM ET

The Chicago Bulls are reportedly looking to reshape their backcourt, and that starts with making Lonzo Ball available on the trade market. After missing two full seasons due to injury, the 6-foot-6 point guard made his long-awaited return during the 2024-25 NBA season. But with the arrival of Josh Giddey, a younger and healthier guard option, Ball’s future in Chicago is suddenly uncertain.

Ball, who re-signed with the Bulls in February on a two-year, $20 million contract, has a $10 million player option for the 2025-26 season. According to Forbes writer Evan Sidery, Chicago is now open to moving him.

“After signing a two-year, $20 million extension in February, Lonzo Ball is expected to be made available in trade talks by the Bulls,” Sidery posted on X. “Ball’s $10 million annual salary, which includes a team option for 2026-27, is easily digestible for contending teams in need of guard depth.”

Lonzo Ball was a key part of the Bulls’ short-lived playoff run during the DeMar DeRozan–Zach LaVine era, but recurring knee injuries derailed his momentum. Though he showed flashes of his old self in his return, Chicago appears ready to turn the page.

Lonzo Ball Drawing Interest From the Western Conference

Despite his injury history, Lonzo Ball remains a hot name on the trade market thanks to his high basketball IQ, defensive versatility, and improved shooting. One team showing early interest is the Dallas Mavericks, who are dealing with the loss of Kyrie Irving to an ACL injury.

NBA Trade Rumors: Lonzo Ball To Be Shopped By Chicago Bulls 5 Feb 26, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) defends against LA Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Ball is a realistic trade target for the Mavericks, who are searching for a steady ballhandler to complement Luka Dončić.

“League sources say Dallas is expected to at least explore whether there are any feasible trade pathways to Boston’s Jrue Holiday,” Stein shared. “Complicated as that would likely be given the three years and $104 million still left on Holiday’s contract, Dallas is also maintaining an interest in a far more reasonable trade target as we’ve discussed on the DLS Mavs podcast: Lonzo Ball.”

NBA Trade Rumors: Lonzo Ball To Be Shopped By Chicago Bulls 6 Feb 28, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Lonzo Ball (2) hits a three point shot against Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead (23) during overtime at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

With a team-friendly contract and plenty of upside, Ball could land in the Wild Wild West and play a pivotal role for a playoff contender like the Mavs. Whether it’s Dallas or another suitor, Lonzo Ball’s next chapter may soon be underway.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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