According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, Lonzo Ball is prepared to commit to the Chicago Bulls TONIGHT!!
Miami is emerging as a favorite to land Lowry in a sign-and-trade while Ball is ready to sign with the Bulls with free agency beginning Monday evening, according to a source.
We learned the two sides had “mutual interest” in a four-year deal worth over $80 million earlier this week thanks to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer. Then, Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes went on NBA TV to say a marriage between Ball and the Bulls was on the horizon sans a “catastrophe of a hiccup.”
The question now is how will Ball sign? Is he expecting to receive an offer sheet from the Bulls right away (one the Pelicans would have the right to match, which could become a possibility if Miami steals Lowry away)? If so, the team better trade or waive Thaddeus Young and/or Tomas Satornasky before free agency opens up.
Or is he expected to end up in Chicago via a sign-and-trade? This seems to be the direction many believe things might turn.
Update on my update: Could very well be Lonzo and Graham in double sign-and-trade, but *NOT* with Lonzo Ball going to Charlotte. Bulls remain very much in play for Ball. Could end up a very complex transaction if this happens.https://t.co/NgSDoQe49D
— John Hollinger (@johnhollinger) August 2, 2021
Regardless, there is now so much smoke surrounding Ball and Chicago that we might have to issue an air quality warning.