LONZO BALL BOLTS FOR CHICAGO!
The Chicago Bulls acquired guard Lonzo Ball from the New Orleans Pelicans for guard Tomas Satoransky, guard/forward Garrett Temple, a second-round draft pick in 2024 and cash.
What does it give the Chicago Bulls
This is a coup for Chicago, and also one of the top off-season moves this year. Landing one of the NBA's best passing guards in Ball is huge for the Bulls, who will now play a lot of minutes with three guards on the floor (Ball, Coby White and Zach LaVine). Chicago may have three new starters in 2021-22.
What does it give the New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans did not want to lose Ball, but they were not able to match Chicago's offer. Therefore, New Orleans' consolation prize is Satoransky, Temple, a second-rounder in '24 and some cash. The Pels do not come out of this as a better team, so this is clearly a defeat for David Griffin and Trajan Langdon.
Fantasy impact
Ball will always have a lot of fantasy value no matter where he plays, since he is extremely versatile and a good defender. He also happens to be one of the best sources of assists in the NBA, so draft him relatively early this year. Satoransky has minimal value and will need to carve out a role for himself in New Orleans. He may also be dealt at some point. Temple is streaky and unreliable when it comes to fantasy basketball. Pass.
