Lonzo Ball agreed to a four-year, $85 million deal with the Chicago Bulls at the beginning of free agency.
In doing so, the 23-year-old officially ended his time with the New Orleans Pelicans – an organization with which he had a very complex relationship.
Although Ball remained consistently complimentary of the Pelicans throughout his time in New Orleans, and despite expressing a desire to remain with the franchise on numerous occasions, the warm feelings were not reciprocated.
The Pelicans attempted to trade Ball many times – leading to him eventually leaving in free agency.
This week, Ball was asked why he opted to go to Chicago, leaving behind the Pelicans and Zion Williamson (with whom he had an interesting relationship).
LIVE: Lonzo Ball Introductory Media Availability https://t.co/WfA5M595sl
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) August 13, 2021
“(The Bulls) were the team that stood out that really wanted me for me,” he said during his first media availability with the team. “I wanted to go somewhere I’m appreciated and can play my game. Chicago is the perfect place for that.”
LaVar Ball, Lonzo’s dad, expressed on multiple occasions that he hated his son playing for the Pelicans. Now all parties involved get a fresh start.
Will Ball be able to thrive in Chicago in a way he hasn’t been able to throughout his pro career? Time will tell.
Yikes. https://t.co/r0HoFoJE9h
— Game 7 (@game7__) August 10, 2021
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A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.
