The Bulls have become more optimistic about the condition of Lonzo Ball‘s injured left knee, K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago said on the Bulls Talk podcast, though he cautioned that it’s still a “fluid situation.” Johnson added that it’s still impossible to determine when Ball will be ready to play, but the last two times he has checked with the team, the reports have been more positive than negative.
“I’m not saying that means he’s out there opening night. I’m not saying he’s playing all 82,” Johnson said. “What I’m saying is the skepticism that was earlier in the offseason has moved a little bit toward the optimism side.”
Ball had surgery in January for a torn meniscus and was originally expected to return before the end of the season. A bone bruise interfered with his rehab process, and there’s still not a definite timetable for him with training camp less than four weeks away.
There’s more from the Central Division:
- The Pacers should aggressively pursue a Russell Westbrook trade with the Lakers, argues Gregg Doyel of The Indianapolis Star. Doyel doesn’t expect Westbrook to become a star again in Indiana, but he says taking on the $47MM expiring contract would be worth it to get L.A.’s first-round picks in 2027 and 2029. Doyel also points to Myles Turner and Buddy Hield as the best return the Lakers are likely to get for Westbrook. Doyel adds that the value of the two first-rounders is that they can be moved in other deals to help build around Tyrese Haliburton.
- Turner, who’s headed for free agency in 2023, is expected to want more than $20MM a year in his next contract, according to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype. That price will affect his trade value as the Pacers look for potential deals.
- Cavaliers associate head coach Greg Buckner calls Evan Mobley “H.O.F.” and believes he can develop into one of the best players in league history (audio link from Mat Issa of Basketball News). “Evan’s a worker, by all means,” Buckner said. “I think Evan, when it’s all said and done, will be a top-20 player [all-time], if he stays healthy.”
Based on all the rumors floating around, the hood up is the fact the Lakers won’t give up two picks. If the requirement were only one pick, the deal would be done by now.
Woj said last week the Lakers were willing to part with the 2o27 and 2029 1st round picks. it appears that they are not interested in parting with them in a package for Hield and Turner. They still need bullets for players who may become available later.
Some idiot suggested that the Bulls trade for Westbrook. Like that would sit well with Ball and Derozan and Lavine who are signed for 2,2 and 5 more years. I’m sure draft picks 5 and 7 years down the road are very important to those 3 guys when nobody has any idea where those picks will fall or what the Lakers will look like then. Same nonsense they keep spouting about AD just because he’s from Chicago, Like that matters to anybody but Lakers fans apparently.
The 2028 one to be exact.
That’s high praise for Mobley. I think Mobley will be a top 10 player in his peak (in the current nba) but I don’t think he will be top 20 all time. He can make the HOF and likely will but come on… all time?
why would the pacers trade myles turner and buddy hield for russ? they’re in full rebuild mode and working on developing their young players, why’d they want a super max contract with a person that never wants the ball in someone else’s hands?
Draft picks and cap relief
@taco while those picks will probably be valuable, i think what they’d care about more are picks in the more near future and young players. they’re gonna want the ball in tyrese’s hands as much as possible and i don’t see russ fitting in with their system, or with their plan.
Nothing they have to worry about after a buyout
Agreed! No reason for Pacers to want Westbrook. Let alone have him actually play on the roster.
Exactly.
Buckner’s basketball knowledge and IQ has always been off the charts…
He has me believing him eyes emoji
One year of Turner and Hield just aren’t worth it.
Fluid situation and knees aren’t always good news but hoping Lonzo comes back healthy.
I think the Bulls will manage Ball and Lavine’s knee situations just fine. It’s not like they don’t have enough guards to give those guys a rest when they need it and still win games. Now I’m just hoping that Dragic and Simonovic come through the Eurobasket in one piece and they’ll be fine. I think Lewis’s injury is more hurtful right now.
A 3-team deal would be the best option for the Pacers.
Buddy, Myles, and Tsunami Papi to LAL
Westbrook to Hornets
Hayward, Nunn, LAL 27 1st LAL 29 1st, CHO 25 1st UTA 2023 2nd.
More draft capital.
Sounds to me like the Westbrook rumors keep being started by Lakers Fans who are REALLY trying to fabricate some trade to get rid of a cancer while getting back something. They tried that with AD and it didn’t work. It’s not going to work with Westbrook. It’s not going to work ever. They all act like two draft picks 5 and 7 years from now are worth anything in today’s market. They’re not. #stopthenonsenseplease.
It’s the media starting them. Its always about the Lakers first. Until you hear sign and trade with Myles he is parked in Indy.
Heild ain’t moving till Dec 15th earliest.
No one’s starting anything. What do fans wants have to do with what reporters are reporting from teams? Also no one’s trading 2 1st for Turner who’s a FA after the this year and Hield who can’t play defense to save his life. You act like those 1st are useless too when they’re likely outside of both lebron and AD’s timeline. Just look at what happened to Brooklyn with that awful Boston trade those years ago. So buddy take your own advise and #stopthenonsenseplease
Terrible nickname for Mobley. Love the enthusiasm, but that nickname is neither catchy or earned. Mobley has a long long loooong ways to go before he can earn that sort of praise. I’m a big Mobley fan, but I’m also unbiased.
Sign Lonzo Ball they said. Don’t worry about his injury history they said. It’ll be a good signing they said.