Will the Chicago Bulls trade Lonzo Ball? If so, where might he land?

While the Bulls (20-28) are still in the Eastern Conference play-in picture, they owe the San Antonio Spurs a top-10 protected first-round pick for DeMar DeRozan. Many around the league expect Chicago to trade away veterans, secure its pick and focus on development for the remainder of the season.

If so, Ball could join the ranks of Alex Caruso and DeRozan, who were both sent out in trade before the season. The following list ranks his top five most realistic destinations.

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).

When healthy, Ball would be a tremendous fit with the Lakers. The team may prioritize a center at the deadline, like Chicago’s Nikola Vučević. Getting both would require at least $41.4 million in outgoing salary, which would probably need to start with Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent (among others).

If Chicago made him available, a more straightforward solution would be Jalen Smith with Ball. Would the Lakers give up a first-round pick for the pair? Smith’s $9 million may make more sense than Vučević’s $21.5 million.

The Clippers have established a defensive identity that kept the franchise afloat while Kawhi Leonard nursed his knee back to health. The team is eager to improve its playoff standing and has expiring contracts like PJ Tucker and Bones Hyland available, perhaps with Kobe Brown, Cam Christie and others to get to Ball’s salary.

The math wouldn’t be pretty, but Chicago can send minimum players like Torrey Craig and Talen Horton-Tucker back to LA. If available, a more straightforward deal could be constructed around Terance Mann, who would be a solid get for the Bulls.

The Pistons lost Jaden Ivey to a broken leg but are still competing in the East and have postseason hopes after several years at the bottom of the standings. Although the team has slumped recently, Ball could add additional defense to the roster.

Detroit is the only team in the league with cap space (about $14 million), but that’s not enough to take in Ball outright. Instead, the Pistons could build a deal with several of its cheaper players (Marcus Sasser, Wendell Moore Jr., Paul Reed Jr. and Bobi Klintman). Or, a simpler deal could be fashioned around Tim Hardaway Jr.

The Timberwolves are thought to be open to moving Julius Randle on at the deadline. While he was the key acquisition in the Karl-Anthony Towns trade with the New York Knicks, Minnesota’s focus has been on getting its books under the second apron while staying competitive with Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid and others.

Guard Donte DiVincenzo is out with a toe injury, and veteran Mike Conley is nearing the end of his career. Ball would give additional support at guard, blending in perfectly with the team’s defensive identity (some of which was lost with Randle) and could be a long-term fit as Conley ages out.

The Bulls would need to send out significant salary—probably Vučević—to another suitor, such as the Golden State Warriors or the Miami Heat, who may be interested in Randle as part of a larger Jimmy Butler blockbuster. Regardless, the Timberwolves stand out as the most viable destination for Ball, provided they find a home for Randle (if not Chicago).