Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball. Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Bulls' Lonzo Ball is proving that he's still a NBA-caliber talent

By Adam Taylor | Last updated Feb 4, 2025 5:51 PM ET

Before this season, Lonzo Ball had missed two years of basketball due to a knee injury. Upon his return, there was genuine skepticism about whether he could return to a high level and re-establish himself as a viable NBA point guard.

However, Ball has quickly slotted back into the Chicago Bulls rotation. And, while it's taken time for the former No. 2 pick to find his rhythm, he's begun to shine on both sides of the floor.

As such, the Chicago Bulls are reportedly open to extending their partnership with Ball. In a Feb. 4 report via X, Marc Stein shared that Chicago has been resisting trade calls over the past few weeks and is open to negotiating a new deal with the pass-first guard.

The Bulls, I'm told, have even shown some interest in re-signing Lonzo Ball once his current contract expires. Ball is playing this season on an expiring $21.4 million deal.

More from @JakeLFischer and me: https://t.co/f3fN5f8kiU https://t.co/7vfbeTES0F
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 4, 2025

Ball has suited up for 29 games so far this season. He's averaging 7.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists. Those numbers are still pretty far away from where they were before his injury. Yet, they're still viable for a bench guard who is receiving spot starts.

Of course, Ball is unlikely to get a deal anywhere close to his current four-year $80M contract. Nevertheless, the fact he's going to remain in the NBA should be considered a win. Not many players miss two whole seasons and get a fresh deal less than 12 months after their return.

Ball's injuries have undoubtedly lowered his ceiling. He's no longer going to be viewed as a potential All-Defense and All-Star team candidate. However, he could carve out a long career for himself as an elite bench ball-handler. Chicago knows they can likely lock him down on a cost-controlled deal for the coming years and have him rotate with Josh Giddey.

After a long and arduous rehab process, Ball is reaping the rewards for his patience and perseverance. When he gets his next contract, all eyes will be on how much he can close the gap from the player he is now, to the player he once was.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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