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Potential Detroit Pistons Trade Target Lands Extension

After getting linked to Lonzo Ball, the Detroit Pistons saw their rival guard reach an extension this week.
Justin Grasso|
Jan 29, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) controls the ball while Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) defends during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Jan 29, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) controls the ball while Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) defends during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images | Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

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Detroit PistonsChicago Bulls

When it comes to potential trade targets for the Detroit Pistons, Lonzo Ball was gaining the most steam as the Michigan-based franchise could use another ball-handler when Cade Cunningham is off the court.

With the Chicago Bulls entering rebuild territory and finally cutting ties with the veteran forward Zach LaVine, Ball seemed like a potential trade candidate.

And if Ball didn’t get moved at the deadline, teams have reportedly held out hope for a potential contract buyout for Ball, who has been playing on an expiring contract.

On Wednesday night, the Bulls certainly created a shakeup for those holding out hope for those scenarios. Ball struck a two-year extension with Chicago.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Ball is slated to make $20 million over the next two seasons.

“Several trade suitors emerged for Lonzo Ball in recent days, but he and the Bulls have now reached a deal that keeps him in Chicago through 2026-27,” Charania wrote on X. “After a two years away from the game, Ball has made a successful, productive return this season.”

Per Yossi Gozlan, Ball is still technically trade-eligible after reaching an extension since his total number falls under the extend-and-trade limit. However, there hasn’t been any indication the Bulls want to cut ties with Ball.

The Bulls invested in Ball ahead of the 2021-2022 NBA season and remained extremely patient with him as he recovered from an injury over two full seasons. Since returning, Ball has averaged seven points, three rebounds, and four assists in 30 games.

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Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Justin Grasso was a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s 76ers On SI Network. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writers Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoMedia

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