Ever since trade rumors involving Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball first started to surface in January, there have been conflicting reports on just how willing the team is to move him. However, a pair of national NBA reporters suggested on Wednesday that the odds a Ball trade happening by Thursday’s deadline may be better than 50/50.
One of those reporters, Chris Mannix of SI.com, wrote that Ball isn’t in New Orleans’ long-term plans and is likely to be dealt this week. The other, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, discussed Ball’s situation in an appearance on the Keyshawn, JWill, and Zubin Show on Wednesday morning.
“I think there’s a sense on both sides that a new home would make sense for him,” Wojnarowski said of Ball and the Pelicans (video link). “… I do think that there’s a pretty good chance he moves before Thursday’s trade deadline.”
Wojnarowski specifically identified the Bulls as a team to keep an eye on for Ball, since he could be a good fit at the point guard spot in Chicago under Billy Donovan. Woj also said that the Sixers have some interest in Ball, though they’re considered a longer shot to acquire the former No. 2 pick.
Mannix, meanwhile, didn’t specifically name Philadelphia as a team with interest in Ball, but noted that the 76ers are canvassing the league looking for backcourt help. According to Mannix, the Clippers are another team to watch, as there’s a sense they may “zero in” on Ball and Ricky Rubio in their search for a point guard upgrade. Marc Stein of The New York Times previously reported the Clippers’ interest in Ball.
The Nuggets have also been repeatedly been mentioned by league sources as a possible Ball suitor, per Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.
Ball will be a restricted free agent this summer and may be hoping for $20MM per year on his next deal, according to a Tuesday report. A separate report indicated that the Pelicans are believed to be seeking at least a first-round pick for the point guard — that may be a problem for the Clippers, who can’t currently trade any of their first-rounders.
Until the Pelicans have any semblance of an identity there is no right answer to this question. 20M is a lot. If you’re trying to win this year, keep him. If you’re not, don’t. But make up your mind!
It’s that fine line between trying to compete for a playoff spot this year but also have an eye to the Future. Warriors in the same boat. You don’t want to totally ditch this season because of the play-in round, yet you can’t have the guy walk at the end of the year for nothing like Lonzo ball or Kelly oubre. Tough spots to be in.
Portland, Denver, GS, Washington off the top of my head would make a lot of sense for Ball if New Orleans moves him. I guess it depends on what he is looking for in free agency b/c the argument is there for them not moving him. I dont think they can afford to lose Josh Hart defensively, so that likely is a big thing to consider.
Personally I just think it might be that Ball and Bledsoe probably shouldnt start next to each other, at least not while they have a big like Steven Adams next to Zion. Their spacing is poor at times, and they could use at least another defender on the wing, and probably a defender that can backup at the 4
I feel like its financially a little weird to match salaries for all of those teams, but the fit is there…that being said there are still a couple of FAs that would help those teams similarly, so not sure how that weighs next to a trade for Ball
Heat could actually also make sense, if you added a piece or 2…Atlanta, Chicago, Minnesota, and Milwaukee also arguably make a little bit of sense in some way
Heat will not want Ball.
Some sort of deal around Nunn and Olynyk would make sense though. If they could get Ball and Hart somehow, probably would do it for sure, depending on what extra assets would have to go out, but as I said, I dont think New Orleans wants to lose Hart
I would not do that trade. Ball has greatly improved this season.
Lonzo ball is perfect for the miami heat. Only thing that will keep them from from doing the trade that is if pelicans seek tyler herro.
Make sense is meaningless for Pelicans
Sexy offer is the key
Example of sexy offer
John Collins for Lonzo
Ball for Oubre is fair gives NO a chance to sign Oubre
Ball definitely wants out of New Orleans. I think they can get more for him around the draft and after, but I haven’t been the one taking phone calls on his availability, so I wouldn’t know how lame or juicy the offers coming in are. New York is the only team I can see capitulating a little on their wait-until-RFA/offseason stance with Ball. They want him.
Ball is officially a bust.
link to m.youtube.com
Casual
Love to see Lonzo in Philly! C’mon Morey get it done
Isn’t he a poor mans Ben Simmons?
Perhaps? Not the way I would describe him?
His 3 point shooting is a plus, that Ben does not have. Nor does he penetrate and finish at the basket like Ben. They are probably 2 of the highest IQ and passers around so there is that commonality. Lonzo is a very good defender but not on Ben’s level nor does he posses the versatility to defend 1-5 like Ben. I guess as far as stats (not advanced ones) pts reb assists yeah he could be described as a poor mans simmons.
Ball/Ben/Green/Harris/Embiid would be a hell of a defensive obstacle for anyone. Leaving Seth/Shake/Kork/?4?/Howard or Bradley would be a stellar bench unit. Back up 4 is the weak spot that hopefully could be addressed in the buyout market perhaps a Bjelica or Muscala type addition would do wonders.
I see him as a poor man’s goran dragic, with even less tendency to look to score, and defensively, maybe a lesser version of a Shaun Livingston type, with less length
Absolutely not lmao Lonzo shoots the ball
Clippers have nothing to offer the Pelicans…
Lonzo Ball is so overrated. He would fit in perfectly with the Clippers.
Perhaps 2-3 years ago, If anything he has become underrated today.
11.5 PPG and 6 APG is worth a $20M/year deal these days?? That’s a hefty amount for a guy with 6th-Man numbers
I believe David Griffin is using the Cavs model when LeBron came back of 2 stars to build around & hope drafted players & young vets develop. You have Zion & Ingram but you need Hayes, Walker & Lewis to mature. Also need cap $ to bring in young hungry vets. Can’t have 3 players eating 80% of your cap so Ball will probably go along with Hart. I like both players but realize that $32 mill for both is way too much.
Lewis looks good !! I watched him the other night and he sure had Poise and lots of skill and all the other stuff for a young guy. I think his future is bright.
Reminds me of a faster version of Mario Chalmers…