Did Lonzo Ball Play Himself Off The Trade Market?

It was said that a New Orleans Pelicans Lonzo Ball trade may not be happening. Read on…

CelebnSports247.com reports that Lonzo Ball was up for grabs just a few weeks ago, but a recent surge in production means New Orleans may be willing to keep him around, according to Zach Lowe of ESPN.

It appears that the equation may have changed somewhat, Lowe explained on his podcast The Lowe Post.

Lowe said this about Lonzo Ball:

The intel on what the Pelicans are going to do with Lonzo, who is hitting restricted free agency, is all over the place. A month ago, he was allegedly the most available good player in the NBA. That’s quieted now because he’s shooting 40 percent from three and looks really good. I don’t know that they’re going to get blown away by an offer, and if they don’t get blown away by an offer, they can roll the dice in free agency.

Basically, New Orleans may see more value in keeping Lonzo Ball than dealing with him.

The Pelicans may worry about losing Ball in free agency with so much money floating around the league, but Lowe’s guest Bill Simmons argued that Ball might not attract that much attention.

While Ball has been “really good” this year, according to Simmons, “everyone has guards.” Getting someone to pay $27 million for Ball’s unique skillset isn’t a guarantee.

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor reported something similar on Monday, though with a tad more belief a deal could still happen, reports the Lonzowire:

Trade talks involving Ball have fizzled for now, league sources say…Trading the 23-year-old will remain a possibility, especially since the Pelicans are expected to be active ahead of the trade deadline. Executives say they could be buyers or sellers, depending on what direction the trade winds blow.

After all, his three-point shooting at 38.7 percent is the best of his career.