The Hornets are more of a sentimental favorite. At 12-32, the team is not in the playoff mix. Still, attaining Ball’s Bird rights via his expiring $21.4 million contract could enable the franchise to pair Lonzo with his star brother LaMelo for the next few years.
Charlotte isn’t in a position to give up draft compensation. Still, Chicago could try to profit in players like Josh Green, Nick Smith Jr., Tre Mann, Cody Martin, Vasilie Micić and/or Josh Okogie (though he can’t be aggregated to acquire Ball). None of the latter three is fully locked in for 2025-26, giving Chicago additional trade flexibility this summer. Mann will be restricted, though the Bulls already have similar ball-handling guards, such as Coby White and Josh Giddey (also restricted).
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