Bulls sign Lonzo Ball to 2 year, $20 million extension

[League Circles]

Just when you think the Bulls front office couldn’t get any worse, they do this. And I like Lonzo, I like him a lot.

I’m sorry but this is a bad decision. Which team was going to offer him this type of contract? No only is he an injury risk, he isn’t the player he was two years ago and he is highly unlikely to ever get back to that level of play.

I don’t hate that they wanted him to stay, I just don’t like the extension they gave him. I would have been much happier if it was in the 10 million for two year range instead.

Just a baffling decision among many other baffling decisions. Our front office is not good, and it’s a god damn shame that they are what we have currently for the foreseeable future; which gives me zero hope that they will make the right decisions in the draft.

What?!?

This is one of the best Bulls contracts in the last quarter century. It's perfect in terms and timing.

[jnrjr79]

Now that it’s confirmed it’s a team option for year 2, this a great deal. Super tradeable, locks you in to an impactful player under team control for barely any money.

I hate to say it, but good job AK.

[League Circles]

What's really impressive about this is the proactive timing. He doesn't sign the deal, you trade him. And the terms are perfect for our flexibility the next three offseasons.

[League Circles]

When KC said "the Bulls and Lonzo Ball agreed......." I was like WTF they're buying him out? Why???? "

Lol

[bullskokie]

Love this signing!

[League Circles]

Umm, why is Lonzo Ball a healthy scratch on the day we gave him a new contract lol?

Is it still no back to backs? Is that just a thing now?

[jnrjr79]

Umm, why is Lonzo Ball a healthy scratch on the day we gave him a new contract lol?

Is it still no back to backs? Is that just a thing now?

Yep, that’s the reason. It’ll be interesting to see if they clear him for B2Bs next season.

[greenwing]

This is about the best possible deal we could get for Lonzo. If he blows up his knee again his contract doesn't destroy our cap. Also, if he plays like he has been it's a tremendous value contract. It would have felt pretty awful losing him after he came back relatively healthy when he barely played out his first contract with us. Glad to have him back.

[evilboy]

Lonzo didn't earn this contract.

[cocktailswith_2short]

He's worth it if he plays look at us tonight without him . He would have helped a lot .

[Mbrahv0528]

"Lonzo didn't earn this contract."

Yes he did.

Sent from my SM-S928U using RealGM mobile app

[waffle]

great contract. It's a risk but he's worth it and it's very affordable

[Stratmaster]

The 2nd year is a team option. That's a very tradeable contract. And a very good contract if he stays.

I am wondering if he gets dealt immediately. Sure seems like if a team wanted him they would have wanted assurances it was a friendly contract.

Either way this is actually a great move.

[evilboy]

"Lonzo didn't earn this contract."

Yes he did.

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I disagree. He signed for 4 years, 85 million in 2021. He's played 65 games in those 4 seasons. His injuries crippled this franchise for 3 years. I don't care if this contract is considered affordable by NBA standards. The Bulls should have moved on from the Lonzo curse.

[kulaz3000]

Just when you think the Bulls front office couldn’t get any worse, they do this. And I like Lonzo, I like him a lot.

I’m sorry but this is a bad decision. Which team was going to offer him this type of contract? No only is he an injury risk, he isn’t the player he was two years ago and he is highly unlikely to ever get back to that level of play.

I don’t hate that they wanted him to stay, I just don’t like the extension they gave him. I would have been much happier if it was in the 10 million for two year range instead.

Just a baffling decision among many other baffling decisions. Our front office is not good, and it’s a god damn shame that they are what we have currently for the foreseeable future; which gives me zero hope that they will make the right decisions in the draft.

What?!?

This is one of the best Bulls contracts in the last quarter century. It's perfect in terms and timing.

I wasn't aware of the second year team option which makes the extension seem better. I still don't truly understand the reasoning for it though, unless the team just sees him as a good mentor to young team, and he was willing to stay even though we are likely to suck for several years.

[Jcool0]

"Lonzo didn't earn this contract."

Yes he did.

Sent from my SM-S928U using RealGM mobile app

I disagree. He signed for 4 years, 85 million in 2021. He's played 65 games in those 4 seasons. His injuries crippled this franchise for 3 years. I don't care if this contract is considered affordable by NBA standards. The Bulls should have moved on from the Lonzo curse.

Wrong.

[BigUps]

Just when you think the Bulls front office couldn’t get any worse, they do this. And I like Lonzo, I like him a lot.

I’m sorry but this is a bad decision. Which team was going to offer him this type of contract? No only is he an injury risk, he isn’t the player he was two years ago and he is highly unlikely to ever get back to that level of play.

I don’t hate that they wanted him to stay, I just don’t like the extension they gave him. I would have been much happier if it was in the 10 million for two year range instead.

Just a baffling decision among many other baffling decisions. Our front office is not good, and it’s a god damn shame that they are what we have currently for the foreseeable future; which gives me zero hope that they will make the right decisions in the draft.

The second year is a team option. If they don’t want him after next year, it’s a 10m roll of the dice which is arguably way better than a 2/10 guarantee.

I mean, the reason to hate this is that Lonzo makes the Bulls better. We need to suck. Lonzo is good.

Have to move him next year for sure. Have to.

[SalmonsSuperfan]

Just when you think the Bulls front office couldn’t get any worse, they do this. And I like Lonzo, I like him a lot.

I’m sorry but this is a bad decision. Which team was going to offer him this type of contract? No only is he an injury risk, he isn’t the player he was two years ago and he is highly unlikely to ever get back to that level of play.

I don’t hate that they wanted him to stay, I just don’t like the extension they gave him. I would have been much happier if it was in the 10 million for two year range instead.

Just a baffling decision among many other baffling decisions. Our front office is not good, and it’s a god damn shame that they are what we have currently for the foreseeable future; which gives me zero hope that they will make the right decisions in the draft.

What?!?

This is one of the best Bulls contracts in the last quarter century. It's perfect in terms and timing.

you know he sat out for like 8 years with an injury, right? and, though I'm happy to see him playing ball again, he's been injured off and on this season and putting up a stunning 7/3/3 on god awful percentages. he's injury prone and he's lost a step. who's to say he'll be healthy the next two years and that he'll ever play average basketball. why is it a good deal? who were we bidding against? he's a vet min player until he proves otherwise.

the flip side is maybe he does return to form next season and then...he's an expiring deal and who's giving up a ton of assets for that. it's like a medium risk, low reward move. I don't hate it but who cares. it seems dumb.

[AshyLarrysDiaper]

Maybe to increase his trade value? He could be a guy to flip for a late 1st at next year's deadline.

I don’t know how they watch what’s played out at this deadline and think they can get a 1st for Lonzo.

If he stays healthy and keeps playing like he is for another year and gets that 3-point percentage back up to 40+ like it was before he got hurt, he could easily fetch a late 1st to a contender. He impacts the game and contributes to winning more than the majority of non-star players.

Who’s the comparable player that’s returned a 1st rounder in recent years? I don’t think there is one.

[dawhizz]

I don’t really get it I guess he’s a good influence and it’s a very tradeable contract. I guess any time you can lock a guy up before he tests the market who plays the same position as four other potential starters on your bad team and hasn’t proven he can play back to backs, you have to do it.