Was Re-Signing Lonzo Ball a Good Idea for the Bulls?
The Chicago Bulls made headlines by re-signing point guard Lonzo Ball to a two-year, $20 million contract extension that keeps him under contract through 2027. While some fans questioned the decision due to Ball’s long injury history, the move could actually benefit the Bulls in both the short and long term. Ball, who missed over 1,000 days of action due to a knee injury and underwent a rare cartilage transplant, returned to the court this season and has shown promising signs of recovery. He is averaging 7.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 21.6 minutes per game. Though not eye-popping stats, they show that Ball is gradually returning to form.
The deal also makes strategic sense from a front office perspective. According to salary cap expert Yossi Gozlan, Ball is still eligible to be traded because his extension falls under the trade-and-extend limit. This means teams won’t view him as just a rental and might be more willing to deal for him, increasing his trade value. With the Bulls entering a rebuild—having already traded DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso, and Zach LaVine—keeping Ball under contract gives them flexibility. If Ball continues to improve, he could be a valuable piece for a playoff team in need of a defensive-minded playmaker.
Moreover, re-signing Ball aligns with the Bulls’ efforts to reset the standard for the organization. After years of mediocrity and a failed attempt at contending, the Bulls are looking to redefine their identity and shift the focus toward long-term success. Ball, with his leadership and high basketball IQ, is a key part of this reset. His comeback story and dedication to overcoming injury serve as a model for the younger players on the roster, helping to establish a new culture within the team. The move signals the franchise's commitment to building a sustainable future.
Ultimately, re-signing Ball was a calculated risk that leans more toward reward than regret. The Bulls now control his future while also giving him the chance to reestablish himself in the league. If he stays healthy, he could either anchor the next iteration of the Bulls or become a valuable trade chip. For a team in transition, having options matters. In this case, it looks like the Bulls made a smart play.
