Bulls Extend Lonzo Ball’s Contract Amid Rebuild Efforts

CHICAGO — The Chicago Bulls and guard Lonzo Ball have agreed to a two-year, $20 million contract extension, signaling the team’s commitment to retaining key players amid a broader roster rebuild, sources told ESPN‘s Shams Charania. The second year of the deal includes a team option.

Ball, 27, has made a remarkable comeback this season after missing nearly two and a half years due to three arthroscopic knee surgeries. He has appeared in 30 games, averaging 7.2 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.4 rebounds while shooting 36% from the field. Despite a minutes restriction that limits his playing time in back-to-back games, Ball has proven himself as a valuable contributor to the Bulls’ lineup.

Chicago coach Billy Donovan praised Ball’s resilience and impact on the team. ‘I’m excited for him because of the journey he’s had to get back on the court,’ Donovan said. ‘He’s got a great IQ. He knows how to play, and he makes people around him better.’ Ball’s ability to pass, shoot from the perimeter, and defend has made him an integral part of the Bulls’ strategy moving forward.

The Bulls, currently 22-30 and 10th in the Eastern Conference, view Ball as a key piece in their long-term plans. Despite his injury history, Ball’s return has provided stability to a young roster. Chicago is outscoring opponents by 5.8 points per 100 possessions with Ball on the floor, a testament to his effectiveness.

The extension comes after the Bulls traded Zach LaVine to Sacramento, signaling a shift toward rebuilding. Vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas emphasized the importance of building depth and sustainability. ‘We’re committing to building a sustainable, competitive team,’ Karnisovas said. ‘We’re not OK with being in the middle. Our goal is to compete for a championship.’

Ball’s deal underscores Chicago’s strategy to retain players who can contribute to both the present and future. Despite his limited minutes, Ball has shown consistent improvement, particularly in 3-point shooting, where he is averaging 36.8% since January. His leadership and influence in the locker room have also been key factors in the team’s decision to extend his contract.

As the Bulls continue to navigate their rebuild, Ball’s extension offers a sense of stability and hope for fans. His story of perseverance, paired with his on-court contributions, makes him a pivotal figure in Chicago’s journey toward competitiveness.