KEY POINTS

  • Lonzo Ball could be a key addition if the Knicks give an offer sheet this offseason
  • The Pelicans are unlikely to enter the trade deal for Ball by the March 25 deadline
  • The Knicks can offer a big contract to Ball which the Pelicans may not match

Lonzo Ball has been performing well for the New Orleans Pelicans, but he has not been spared from trade rumors.

With his contract set to run out this season, NBA teams could come knocking to lure the 23-year-old guard from the Pels’ clutches.

Several teams have been mentioned as plausible landing spots for the second overall pick of the 2017 NBA Draft. That list includes the Los Angeles Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers, Philadelphia 76ers, Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns.

However, one team that could use someone like Lonzo Ball is the New York Knicks. But it may take a special approach for the franchise to land the 6-foot-6 guard.

Given that Ball is having a good season with averages of 14.2 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.2 rebounds, there is no doubt that any NBA team needing an immediate boost would love to add the former top pick.

But tied to that, the Pelicans are unlikely to part with Ball until after the current season. That is of course subject to change.

One thing to watch out for in the NBA offseason is the negotiations. According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, the Pelicans are unlikely to match an offer sheet for Ball if it goes beyond $18 million. The maximum starting point is $28 million.

Also, the Knicks are expected to have a lot of cap room and will have the liberty to offer that kind of a deal. Furthermore, there seems to be mutual interest between the family of Ball.

New York was mentioned as a potential landing spot for LaMelo Ball before the last NBA Draft.

De'Anthony Melton #0 of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball up court under pressure from Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans
De'Anthony Melton #0 of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball up court under pressure from Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans Getty Images | Ashley Landis - Pool

Most know that all the fizzled with LaMelo ending up with the Charlotte Hornets. Hence, it may not be surprising if another Ball enters the fray, that of which could be Lonzo.

Some speculate that a trade involving Ball could happen before the March 25 NBA trade deadline. But given that he has been performing well for the Pelicans, New Orleans is unlikely to entertain anything for now. That is unless a temping offer is on the table which the team's front office will not dare pass up.

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