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NBA Trade Rumors: Chicago Bulls Moving Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic To Keep Draft Pick, Says Insider 3 Dec 30, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) passes as he is defended b y Charlotte Hornets guard Vasa Micic (22) during the second half at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images

Bulls Make 1 Huge Contract Decision on Lonzo Ball

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics
By Christian Alamodin | Last updated Feb 6, 2025 1:38 AM ET

There’s not a lot of positive news going on for Chicago Bulls fans. The team is putting up great performances now and then, but the team’s 20-27 record in the Eastern Conference and the current state of the roster has fans confused on where the team will go moving forward.

Now that Zach LaVine is officially off the roster , the question now lies on how the Bulls will progress now that most of the old guard is out of the picture. The short-term picture is having Coby White and Josh Giddey lead the team as they look at the draft or the upcoming free agency class for possible acquisitions.

People Are Supposed To Talk About You': Zach LaVine Addresses Trade Rumors 12 Jan 8, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) dribbles against Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

While the team is mulling their options, they tied down a key contributor in Lonzo Ball to extended terms. While there are still injury doubts lingering around the signing, his extension can be seen as a small win for a rebuilding roster.

The Bulls extend Lonzo Ball’s contract to two more years

Shams Charania first broke the news that Chicago extended the guard’s Windy City stint for a fairly reasonable price tag. A two-year, $20-million deal for a guard who can facilitate and defend while playing off the bench is a great snag for a team trying to rebuild.

The fact that the Bulls were even able to offer Lonzo an extension is nothing short of a miracle for the eldest child of Big Baller Brand owner Lavar Ball. There was a point where the Bulls thought the 6’6″ guard wouldn’t be able to step on the hardwood again. Lonzo averaging 7.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists through 30 appearances is nothing short of impressive for him.

What’s next for Chicago’s roster?

Bulls Rookie Makes Decision on Slam Dunk Contest 11 Dec 21, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) goes up to the basket against the Boston Celtics during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Chicago’s decision to extend the eldest Ball brother sends a clear signal to the rest of the league that they won’t likely make any more moves and let the trade deadline pass. With LaVine and DeMar DeRozan playing for the Kings, Chicago has no intriguing trade pieces they can use to make a splash before the trade deadline passes.

It will now be up to the team’s young players to step up and develop to be the pillars of the roster. Aside from White and Giddey, the front office is probably hoping for Matas Buzelis to keep his impressive level of play up and finish his rookie campaign strongly.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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