Lonzo Ball's Future With Chicago Bulls Reportedly In Jeopardy

According to Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic, the Chicago Bulls could look to move on from Lonzo Ball.

Jan 9, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) celebrates after making a basket against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

On Thursday, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Chicago Bulls made a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder to land Josh Giddey.

The 21-year-old was the sixth pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, and he could end up being the point guard of the future in Chicago.

Via Wojnarowski: "BREAKING: The Chicago Bulls are trading two-time All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for guard Josh Giddey, sources tell ESPN."

BREAKING: The Chicago Bulls are trading two-time All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for guard Josh Giddey, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/V3t12MA3Uo

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 20, 2024

Following the news, Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic speculated that the Bulls could look to move on from point guard Lonzo Ball.

Via Mayberry's article in The Athletic: "It’s impossible to not view Giddey as insurance in case Ball doesn’t return. By bringing in Giddey, the Bulls also might have signaled they’re ready to move on from Ball. A trade or buyout could be likely."

Bulls trade two-time All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso to Thunder for Josh Giddey: Source https://t.co/WbiT0UNHDg

— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) June 21, 2024

Ball was supposed to be the team's starting point guard, but he has dealt with injures that have prevented him from playing since the 2021-22 season.

Over his 35 games with Chicago, the former UCLA star averaged 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.8 steals per contest while shooting 42.3% from the field and 42.3% from the three-point range.

Oct 2, 2023; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) and guard Lonzo Ball (2) talk during Chicago Bulls Media Day at Advocate Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports / David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

As for the Bulls, they are coming off a year where they were the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 39-43 record.

They beat the Atlanta Hawks in their first play-in tournament game, but lost to the Miami Heat in the second.

The franchise has missed the NBA playoffs for two straight seasons.

Lonzo Ball's tenure with Chicago is likely nearing an end, and a buyout is possible, per @DarnellMayberry

“Giddey’s acquisition also further clouds the Bulls’ plans for recovering point guard Lonzo Ball, who hasn’t played since January 2022 but is expected to make a comeback… pic.twitter.com/JhHfLtsJke

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 21, 2024