The Chicago Bulls are reportedly looking to make the best of a difficult situation and land another $10 million worth of cap space for this season.
The Chicago Bulls 2022-2023 campaign was a very frustrating one for the franchise. After being one of the biggest surprises in the NBA two years ago, they could never get on track this past season and were dogged by locker-room drama en route to a failed attempt to make the playoffs for a second straight season.
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There are a few reasons why the team disappointed this season, however, none were as impactful as not having point guard Lonzo Ball. He was one of their most notable free-agent additions two summers ago and was key in their resurgences in 2021-2022. After his knee injury knocked him out late in that season, the Chicago Bulls have never been in the same.
Chicago Bulls apply for disabled player exception
Unfortunately for the team, the news has only gotten worse when it comes to Ball’s knee. He had multiple setbacks and needed more surgeries during his recovery process and missed all of last season. And in June it was revealed that a return next season is looking highly unlikely. However, there are ways for the organization to benefit from this dose of bad luck.
On Sunday, ESPN NBA reporter Jamal Collier reported that “The Chicago Bulls have applied for a disabled player exception for Lonzo Ball, sources tell ESPN. If granted it gives the Bulls an exception worth about half of Ball’s salary ($10.2 million).”
The $10 million won’t allow Chicago to land a replacement for Ball in NBA free agency. However, it does give them some needed flexibility to add a solid veteran player for further depth, or extra space to use in a potential blockbuster trade at some point this summer. The team has reportedly been hearing offers on two-time All-Star Zach LaVine recently.
Ball is set to make just over $20 million next season and has a player option for over $21 million in 2024-2025.