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[Saba Sports News] The Chicago Bulls are contemplating a unique strategy regarding Lonzo Ball, who hasn’t played in two years due to knee injuries. Marc Stein, a seasoned NBA reporter, suggests in a Substack post that the Bulls might leverage Ball’s insurance-covered contract in a trade before the February 8 deadline. This move aims to enhance their roster by adding new talent.
Ball, 26, has been out since January 2022 and is currently on a contract worth $20.5 million this season, with a $21.4 million player option for the next. Despite seeming to have little trade value due to his prolonged absence and salary, the insurance coverage of his contract presents an intriguing opportunity. A team acquiring Ball could potentially receive full salary relief if he is unable to return to play, as the insurance would cover the remainder of his contract without impacting the team’s salary cap.
However, the situation is complicated by Ball’s desire to resume his career, with recent updates suggesting a positive direction in his recovery. The Bulls might sweeten the deal by including future draft picks, enticing teams to take a chance on Ball. This scenario offers a safety net for the acquiring team, as the insurance provision acts as a financial safeguard if Ball’s comeback doesn’t materialize.