“Lonzo Ball wants to sign with the New York Knicks or the Chicago Bulls”: Pelicans star reportedly does not enjoy playing in New Orleans

Lonzo Ball does not want to keep playing in New Orleans and will look to sign with the New York Knicks or Chicago Bulls this offseason. 

Lonzo Ball has had his own share of ups and downs throughout this 2020-21 NBA season. After having started off the season ice cold, Ball started to heat up as All-Star break approached and has brought his shooting numbers back to above league average.  

He has been averaging nearly 15 points on 38% shooting from beyond the arc on the season. Not to mention the fact that he’s just as good of a facilitator, if not better. He has been relieved of his point guard duties as of recent in clutch time to allow Zion Williamson to bring the ball up the court and make plays. 

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Though Lonzo Ball may never be the ‘point god’ Magic Johnson thought he would become, the 23-year-old is a legit starting point guard in this league. Magic certainly believes so as he claims Lonzo has the highest basketball IQ of anyone in the NBA. 

Lonzo Ball wants to end up in either Chicago or New York this 2021 offseason

Seems as though Lonzo prefers the bright lights of a marquee free agent destination such as New York or Chicago, as reports have come out claiming he does not enjoy playing in New Orleans. This does not reflect his feelings towards his teammates as his preference is based solely off the city he plays in. 

Spoke to an agent on Lonzo Ball and his future with #Pelicans.

“Lonzo enjoys playing for the Pelicans but isn’t a fan of New Orleans. However, he really wants to end up with the #Knicks or #Bulls. That has been a dream of his. It’s likely he will try to leave this offseason.”

— Evan Massey (@massey_evan) March 28, 2021

Zo brings a lot to the table in terms of a serviceable starting caliber point guard. He has no problem with being a spot-up shooter and deferring to other stars on his team, and can rack up assists any which way he wants. His defense has also be above average to say the least. 

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It is these reasons, coupled with his youth, that attracted many teams such as the Bulls to pursue him before the trade deadline. Lonzo was however, very adamant on wanting to finish this season off with the Pelicans, reiterating his desire to make a push for the Playoffs. 

Lonzo is set to become a restricted free agent this summer and it remains to be seen whether or not he would try leave New Orleans for a bigger market team. It would be up to the Pelicans however, if they would like to keep him on the roster as they can match any offer Ball receives.