Chicago Bulls Veteran Linked as Sleeper Suggestion for Pistons

A two-game skid might have the Detroit Pistons The entrance workplace is coming again to actuality after a robust begin to the 2024-2025 NBA season, however there may be nonetheless loads of basketball to be performed earlier than the commerce deadline.

This summer time, the Pistons entrance workplace made it clear that they aren’t dashing their rebuilding course of. After a 14-win season, it is clear that the playoffs – and even the Play-Ins – are removed from doable.

However once more, a lot progress has been made.

The Pistons gained greater than 40 % of their video games in the course of the first a part of the season. They’re in a three-way tie for seventh place within the Jap Convention.

If Detroit can keep its aggressive spirit when Cade Cunningham is again within the combine after struggling an damage, there’s a world the place it is likely to be price in search of an extra participant to assist them make that playoff push.

PistonPowered’s Aaron Kellestrass just lately talked about The Chicago Bulls are retaining Lonzo Ball as a possible “sleeper” goal if Detroit stays within the playoff combine.

“Wholesome Ball is a participant the Pistons might use, as he would offer a secondary creator, 3-point capturing and strong protection on the perimeter. His contract is expiring and buying and selling for him would give the Pistons an excellent path to re-sign him at a veteran minimal within the quick time period. Some groups would possibly get fortunate with Lonzo as a result of he is nonetheless younger and nonetheless good when he performs, however they’re going to must conform to a lowball deal to revive his worth.

All trades carry threat it doesn’t matter what, and this one would undoubtedly include an enormous crimson flag.

Over the previous two seasons, Ball has not performed on account of a knee damage. When he joined the Bulls in 2021 after two seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans, Ball solely performed in 35 video games. When he was wholesome and taking part in, he seemed nice averaging 13 factors and 5 assists on 42 % capturing from three.

As soon as once more, well being is the important thing phrase.

Ball made his season debut for the Bulls of their dwelling opener in opposition to the Pelicans. He checked in on the bench for 13 minutes. The following recreation, he took the night time off as a precaution.

On October 26, Ball noticed a slight enhance in minutes as he logged quarter-hour in opposition to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder. He then logged 16 minutes of motion in opposition to the Memphis Grizzlies within the following recreation.

He has since been sidelined with one other setback, on account of a wrist damage. At this level, Ball has missed 13 consecutive video games.

An skilled backup guard must be on the Pistons’ buying checklist on the commerce market, and Ball shouldn’t be missed as a possible candidate. Nevertheless, it turned very clear that he was one of many largest gambles. At this level, NBA groups most likely do not anticipate him to be a long-term starter on this league, however his capturing and play in brief stints off the bench might be beneficial.