Trading Lonzo Ball would be a get out of jail free card for the Bulls

After returning to the Chicago Bulls rotation following a two-year injury absence, Lonzo Ball signed a two-year contract extension worth $20 million. Chicago clearly feels confident Ball can return to his pre-injury level if given enough time and opportunity.

Unfortunately for the Bulls, Ball was unable to stay healthy during the 2024-25 campaign. He wound up playing just 35 games for Billy Donovan's team. Now, Chicago is on the hook for another two years, with no guarantee Ball can remain healthy throughout a season.

According to Marc Stein, the Dallas Mavericks could be willing to bail the Bulls out. 

"League sources say Dallas is expected to at least explore whether there are any feasible trade pathways to Boston's Jrue Holiday," Stein wrote. ...While also maintaining an interest in a far more reasonable trade target...Lonzo Ball. Chicago signed Ball to a two-year, $20 million contract extension in February...The deal is regarded by many around the league as quite tradeable given what the 27-year-old showed this season he can still deliver at both ends when healthy."

Ball, 27, is young enough that he still fits the Bulls' timeline despite the franchise's early rebuilding stages. Nevertheless, the money that has been set aside for Ball could help Arturas Karnisovas keep some other talents with the franchise.

Tre Jones impressed for Chicago after joining at the trade deadline. However, he will hit unrestricted free agency this summer. With Ball under contract, it's unlikely Jones will return. 

“The Bulls roster building strategy should be to take on bad contracts for picks, to have multiple bites of the apple,” Will Gottlieb of CHGO Sports said. “To be able to bring in multiple players on rookie scale contracts to fill out your roster that have potential…I think ultimately, it was a mistake not to trade him (Ball).”

If the Mavericks come knocking for Ball, they would be giving the Bulls a get out of jail free card. The front office would be wise to take it and send the playmaking guard on his way. Ball's tenure in Chicago has not gone to plan. Rather than trying to force things to work, the Bulls would be better served by cutting their losses and changing direction. Dallas could give them that opportunity.