Two new teams have emerged as potential candidates to pursue restricted free agent Pelicans point guard Lonzo Ball. Shams Charania of Stadium reports (Twitter video link) that the Celtics and the Raptors are interested in adding Ball’s services this summer.
The Ball addition could make sense for either Eastern Conference club, as both teams may be looking for major help at the lead guard position. The Celtics, of course, recently moved off the pricey contract of injury-prone veteran starting point guard Kemba Walker. The Raptors, meanwhile, may lose veteran starting point guard Kyle Lowry to a contender in free agency. The Pelicans have been mentioned as a potential Lowry destination.
Charania predicts a robust market for Ball, with a potential multiyear contract in the range of $21-$22MM annually. Charania mentions that the Bulls continue to show interest in Ball. Chicago has been in the market for a major point guard upgrade over incumbent starter Coby White, and have been intrigued by Ball for a while.
Charania also adds the Pacers as a possible Ball suitor, though that may depend on some of the other moves Indiana makes this offseason.
Given that Ball is a restricted free agent, aligns well with the timelines of All-Star power forward Zion Williamson and 2020 All-Star Brandon Ingram, and showed marked improvement as a shooter this season, New Orleans would be wise to consider matching any offer sheet tendered to him and keeping him ahead of the 2021/22 season. However, it sounds like the team is hoping to land a veteran point guard instead.
Ball to the Celtics is a no brainer. Young elite passer to feed youngsters Tatum and Brown.
Rite
I don’t know that the finances work? But he would be a a solid piece to the core. That’s a long high IQ team that will be great on defense.
How can BOS possibly put together an offer sheet that NOP won’t match. It requires cap space over 20 mm.
Why do people think that the Pelicans won’t try to retain Ball?
they freed up money for a reason.
If the Pelicans don’t match and resign Ball, yes the Pelicans will free up money to address whatever problems that the Pels believe that their team has. Then the Pels will have a new problem. The Pels will have to replace Ball which would be very difficult. So maybe the Pels will just match whatever offer comes in for Ball.
They freed up money to match the sheet he’s going to get. Lowry isn’t coming to NOLA
It’s going to happen .. Lowry s&t for Ball s&t and JV. Only way for it not happening is the stupid Jaxson arrest and felony charge.
Wrong. You can’t have 2 sign and trade players in the same deal.
Multiple sign-and-trades in the same deal are allowed (see D-Lo/Durant, Rozier/Kemba, etc.).
Bulls is a good place for Ball. But I would not overpay for him. He needs to wake up and reach his potential.
Lonzo would be a terrific fit in Toronto, especially if Kyle leaves. Another lon player with defensive upside who can lead the fast break and develop further in Toronto’s system. I truly believe he would flourish under Nick Nurse.
Remember, Kyle Lowry didn’t come to Toronto until his late 20s, and we developed him as well. Toronto sports in general has a knack for getting the most out of certain players and finding gems in the trash (Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion)
Knicks