Well, it turns out all of the reports this week were true. It was hard to know the validity of all of these reports going into tonight but it turns out someone knew what the front office was up to all along. Free agency began just minutes ago and the Bulls have a new starting point guard.
Breaking: Lonzo Ball is landing on a four-year, $85 million contract with the Chicago Bulls in a sign-and-trade agreement, his agent and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul tells @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/8fdrLpl9yz
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 2, 2021
After a tough season at the point guard position, the Bulls decided it was time to put their money where their mouth is. They are signing Lonzo Ball to a 4 year $85 million deal. This move shows just how serious the Bulls front office is about improving now. Lonzo Ball adds another key piece to the Bulls puzzle as they look to become a contender in the East. Details of the sign and trade for the Bulls have them sending two players and one pick to New Orleans for Ball.
The Chicago Bulls are sending Tomas Satoransky, Garrett Temple and a second-round pick to New Orleans for Lonzo Ball, who's signing a four-year, $85M contract, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 2, 2021
Are the Bulls a top team in the East after this move?
This move alone puts the Bulls in the playoffs in the Eastern conference without a doubt. As far as being a top team in the East that is tough to tell. Lonzo can facilitate the ball well and that’s exactly what they need. He will certainly keep the offense flowing and will make it so the Bulls being in the playoffs isn’t a question. The Bulls will be surrounded by some tough competition in the East and that’s why it’s hard to put them at the top just from this move. They are up against the Nets, Bucks, 76ers, & Hawks who will likely take spots 1-4. So will the Bulls be in the playoffs? Yes. Will they be a top team? It’s possible but we need to see what other moves they make before moving them into that category?
Does Lonzo Ball fit in Chicago?
The quick answer is yes. Lonzo Ball has averaged 6.4 assists per game over his career. In this past season, he averaged 14.6 points per game while shooting 41.4% from the field. This is exactly what the Bulls were looking for. A guard who can come in and facilitate the ball and isn’t looking to score all the time.
The Bulls have two All-Stars who can score in Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic. Lonzo is coming in to help space the floor even more and distribute. He’s going to help keep the offense flowing and free up LaVine and Vucevic to do what they do best. It will no longer be LaVine’s responsibility all game to find the open man and it lightens the load for him. That’s not to say that roles can be reversed in some games. Lonzo can score when he needs to and LaVine can facilitate as well.
However, this move is good for the movement of the ball and gives the Bulls one more option to attack other teams. While they still need to hit the court to determine true fit, Lonzo looks to be a great fit for this Bulls squad. This is an instant and big upgrade for the point guard position for the Bulls.
More moves on the horizon
Lonzo Ball officially coming to the Bulls is exciting especially after the disappointing end of the season. However, the Bulls certainly aren’t done making moves. It was rumored ahead of free agency they are trying to bring in multiple point guards in free agency. With one down don’t be surprised if we hear they are adding more depth to the position. Whether that be Derrick Rose, Dejounte Murray, or someone else we will likely see another guard coming to the Bulls. Keep your eyes peeled Chicago, the Bulls are making moves.