Veteran player could be surprise trade chip for Bulls

Lonzo Ball hasn't suited up for the Chicago Bulls since January 14, 2022. He is just days away from being two years removed from his last NBA game. As such, Ball's salary is predominately covered by the NBA's insurance policy, making his contract an interesting trade chip should Chicago look to utilize it. 

According to Marc Stein, via his SteinLine newsletter, there have been whispers around the NBA that the Bulls could look to utilize Ball's contract in trade discussions.

"Potentially supporting such notions are the recent whispers that the Bulls have not completely ruled out using Lonzo Ball's insurance-covered contract in a trade to add talent," Stein reported. "...The Bulls certainly aren't known for such payroll-increasing moves, which inevitably invokes some believe-it-when-we-see-it skepticism, but it is a pathway for them to consider."

Ball has a player option worth $21.4 million on his contract for next season. Given his two-year injury absence, he's expected to opt into the final year. Currently, there's no telling whether he will be back on the court next season or if he will be the same player he was two years ago. Moving on from the player Chicago structured their roster around could be smart business. 

The Bulls need to create some roster flexibility. If they're not entering a full rebuild, finding ways to upgrade the team without losing some of their core rotation will be difficult. 

Ball's contract can be a legitimate tool heading into the February 8 deadline. Yes, when he's at his best, there aren't many playmakers on his level. However, two years away from the league is a long time, so there's no guarantee we will see Ball's best in the near future.

Chicago needs to act in the best interest of the franchise. 

There won't be any bad optics from trading a player who you've stood by for two years. Eventually, you have to make a business decision for the good of the team. 

There are always teams that are looking to shed salary at this time of the year. Franchises that are accepting they're not ready to contend yet could see a short-term, insurance-covered contract as a good way to create some flexibility. 

Chicago has some tough decisions ahead of them, and time is running out. Otherwise, they may be forced to wait until the summer to begin redesigning their roster. Yet given their recent resurgence, that may not be a bad thing.