He missed two and a half seasons of NBA actions. Multiple surgeries on his left knee couldn’t stop him from coming back. Lonzo Ball‘s career-altering conditions seem like a distant past now. However, the Chicago Bulls want to be careful with his minutes on the floor. But, on Friday’s game vs. the Boston Celtics, Lonzo was different. Keeping aside his minutes restrictions, he played one of his finest 22 minutes, thus impressing HC Billy Donovan.

For once, let’s sideline the fact that the Chicago Bulls lost the game against the reigning champions. Lonzo Ball wasn’t supposed to play in the game, as his minutes were restricted to 16 for the foreseeable future. However, he put his woes in the past and created chemistry with Ayo Dosunmnu and Zach LaVine in the final minutes of their 129-138 loss to the C’s.

“He’s so smart and knows how to play the game. I think he feels whether it’s 16, 20, or 22 minutes, he can be a productive player.” An impressed Coach Donovan said. “The biggest thing for me with him going forward is going to be how he can hold up physically with his knee.”

Amidst the injury concerns and performance issues, Lonzo has emerged as an impact player for the 8-13 Chicago Bulls this season. It’s become increasingly apparent that the 27-year-old guard makes the Bulls a much better team. But, here’s the twist- there are rumors in the NBA-verse, that the Bulls are willing to put their ‘impact’ player in the trade market.

Of course, Chicago plans to trade Lonzo Ball. The team also expects to include a few more players, such as Zach LaVine, on the list. But, the questions rise in light of Ball. Which team will pick an unpredictable and injury-prone player? Looks like, teams are willing to risk it all.

Lonzo Ball’s alleged entry into the trade market will alert the rival front offices

Interestingly enough, the Los Angeles Lakers seem to be eyeing Lonzo Ball. He debuted in the NBA in 2017 with the Purple and Gold; it looks like the team is heading toward a homecoming. In return, Rob Pelinka is said to trade for D’Lo, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood Schiffino, and two second-round picks. Well, not just Ball, the Lakers are also eyeing Nikola Vuvevic. Their main aim? Opening up roster spots for Koloko and Olivari and saving $9M in annual salary for this year.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls are in a major dilemma with their trade choices. Why? Well, they are putting up Lonzo Ball, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic as trade candidates. Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reports that the Bulls are open to trade talks for most of their roster. A rebuild or retool could be on the horizon. “Bulls executives, according to league sources, have been messaging to rival front offices that they are willing to discuss the majority of their roster in trade talks leading up to the Feb. 6 trade deadline”

The combined contracts of the trio total nearly $85 million. Thus creating challenges to navigate through the trade market. Besides, Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball’s history of injuries and unpredictability could complicate the potential Bulls roster overhaul. Meanwhile, only Vooch offers a tradable contract with a $20 million salary this season and $21.5 million in 2025-26. He’s having a strong season, averaging 20.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. This makes him an appealing option for teams needing frontcourt help.

As the trade deadline approaches, the Chicago Bulls face a crucial decision on their roster. Lonzo Ball and Zach LaVine, once the key pieces, now risk being part of a major overhaul. With multiple assets up for trade, the Bulls’ future hangs in the balance. Teams will weigh the risks of their injury history. But, in the unpredictable world of the NBA, anything can happen.