Bulls Eye: Chicago Bulls will not have Lonzo Ball for a second straight season

The management of the Chicago Bulls, led by vice president Arturas Karnisovas does not believe that starting point guard Lonzo Ball will be playing next season as he tries to recover from his third knee surgery in less than two years. This leaves the Bulls in quite a predicament, with guards Pat Beverley, Coby White, and Ayo Dosunmo all entering free agency.

That said, here are five stories every Chicago Bulls fan should know about before heading to this week:

1) Chicago Bulls don't expect Lonzo Ball to play at all next season

Lonzo's injury saga took another turn as the Bulls publicly acknowledged that they don't expect the two-way stud to play at all this coming season after undergoing a cartilage transplant on his injured knee. Ball has not played NBA basketball since injuring his knee in January 2022.

Lonzo Ball’s draft day comparison was Jason Kidd. He got drafted by Magic Johnson. Now, he may never play in the NBA again.

He last played on January 14, 2022, when he suffered a mysterious knee cartilage injury. Since then, it’s been a dizzying journey for Lonzo:

🔸His knee… pic.twitter.com/agPFoacGw0
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 25, 2023

2) Chicago Bulls trade into the draft and select Julian Phillips with the 35th pick

The Bulls started the NBA Draft without a single pick to their name. They ended the night with defensive ace Julian Phillips, who they selected with the 35th pick they acquired from the Washington Wizards in a draft-day trade.

3) Patrick Beverley believes the Chicago Bulls should bring their core back

Veteran point guard Patrick Beverley believes the Bulls, as they are presently constructed, should bring back their core and take a stab at the playoffs with the same set of players. Beverley's take might not go too well with fans and pundits who are calling for the Bulls to retool the roster for next season.

Team is solid. #RunItBack https://t.co/F3Tqz0IgXS
— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) June 21, 2023

4) Chicago Bulls set lofty price tag for Zach LaVine

The Bulls are widely expected to keep their core, which means plenty of Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic—if he re-signs—to come. However, reports have stated the Bulls have spoken with several teams about the possibility of trading LaVine. The Bulls may just be doing their diligence in assessing what they can get for the high-scoring wingman, but some reports have indicated they are asking for a high price.

5) Nikola Vucevic expected to re-sign with the Chicago Bulls for three years and $65 million

Vooch is an unrestricted free agent who just might be returning to the Bulls for a long-term deal. A report indicated that the big man's new deal may be worth $65 million for three years.