Lonzo Ball is staying with the Chicago Bulls. After battling knee injuries for over two years, Lonzo Ball has signed a two-year, $20 million contract extension with the Bulls, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. This move ensures Ball remains with the team despite persistent trade and buyout rumors.
Lonzo Ball Agrees To Extension With Bulls Amidst Trade And Buyout Rumors
Several teams, including the Memphis Grizzlies, Detroit Pistons, and Minnesota Timberwolves, reportedly showed interest in acquiring Ball before the NBA trade deadline, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. However, Chicago has decided to keep him as they navigate an uncertain future.
A Remarkable Return from Injury
Ball’s return in the 2024-25 season marked a significant milestone. After missing two and a half seasons due to multiple knee surgeries, including a cartilage transplant in 2023, he fought his way back onto the court. Despite missing stretches of the season due to minor injuries and illness, he has been an effective contributor off the bench.
Through limited minutes (21.6), Ball is averaging 7.2 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game. While those numbers are modest, they reflect his steady reintegration into the league after an unprecedented injury recovery.
The Bulls’ Playoff Woes Continue
Chicago’s struggles without Ball have been evident. When he last played significant minutes in the 2021-22 season, the Bulls were thriving. Alongside Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vučević, he helped the team to a 27-13 record before his injury.
After his absence, the Bulls collapsed, finishing the season 19-23 and exiting in the first round of the playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks. They haven’t returned to the postseason since.
With LaVine now gone and the team still searching for consistency, Lonzo Ball’s extension signals that the Bulls front office still values his two-way ability as they attempt to rebuild.
Chicago’s Questionable Trade Decisions
Ball’s extension is one of the first positive developments for a franchise that has made several questionable trade moves this season.
First, the Bulls traded defensive ace Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Josh Giddey. Then, they sent DeRozan to the Sacramento Kings for Chris Duarte and two second-round picks. Most notably, they dealt LaVine—who was averaging 24 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game—for role players and a draft pick they already had rights to.
That 2025 first-round pick was top-10 protected. If the Bulls finished in the bottom 10, they would have retained it regardless. Essentially, they removed protections from an asset they already controlled, making the trade widely criticized.
More Moves on the Horizon for the Bulls After Lonzo Ball Extension?
Chicago’s roster remains in flux. Vučević has been linked to trade talks, though his main suitor, the Golden State Warriors, just acquired Jimmy Butler. There are also rumors surrounding Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White, who both remain under contract but will enter the final year of their deals next season.
With Ball locked in, Chicago must now decide how to handle contract talks with Dosunmu and White. The extension could provide leverage for the Bulls if negotiations with either guard become difficult. Given the team’s history of cost-cutting decisions, their next move will be closely watched.
For now, Ball’s extension offers a rare win for Chicago in an otherwise turbulent season. Whether his presence helps the Bulls turn things around remains to be seen.
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