The Chicago Bulls announced that the team has extended guard Lonzo Ball.
The Bulls and Ball have reached an agreement on a two-year contract extension valued at $20 million. This extension will ensure Ball remains with the team through the 2026-27 season. After a two-year hiatus from professional basketball, Ball has successfully made a productive return this season.
“The Bulls have been with me through the toughest journey of my life so far,” Ball said. “Just trying to give back to what was loyal to me. It is a mutual agreement, they wanted me here. I wanted to stay.”
Ball has posted averages of 10.3 points (.391 3FG%), 4.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.7 blocks in 28.6 minutes through 65 games (44 starts) with the Bulls since being acquired via trade from the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2021-22 offseason. During his tenure with Chicago, Ball ranks second in team history in three-pointers made per game (2.5) and has the ninth-highest steals average (1.7 spg) in the Bulls record books.
“The overall picture, from the doctor being out here dealing with the rehab process with the last couple of years, the relationship I have with the front office, the coaching staff, the young guys here, it all made sense for me to stay, that is what I wanted,” Ball said.
The Chino Hills, Calif. native has appeared in 30 games (nine starts) in 2024-25, averaging 7.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals in 21.6 minutes. Ball returned to game action after missing consecutive seasons (2022-24) due to left knee surgeries. He has made multiple three-pointers in 14 games on the year, alongside eight games with five-plus assists and 12 games with two-plus steals (leads Chicago). Ball (44 steals) is one of four NBA players this season to tally 40-plus steals in 650 minutes played or less (Alex Caruso, Josh Okogie, Ausar Thompson).
“I expressed to my agent and to the staff that I wanted to stay,” Ball said. “They wanted to have me. It all worked out.”
Drafted with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, Ball has logged career averages of 11.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.6 blocks in 31.3 minutes through 282 games (248 starts) between stops in Los Angeles, New Orleans and Chicago. Ball is one of six active players averaging at least 11.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.5 steals in their career (LaMelo Ball, James Harden, LeBron James, Ben Simmons, Russell Westbrook).
“The complexity of challenges that Zo faced more than three years ago was truly unprecedented. It wasn’t just his injury but also the complicated rehabilitation plan that followed, which lacked any template for an NBA player. Along with an outstanding team of doctors, trainers and medical staff, Zo embraced adversity and exemplified resilience. His diligence to do what was necessary and his commitment to himself and this team truly speaks to his character. He elevates those around him with his high basketball IQ, relentless defense and hustle, and his unselfish playmaking. We are thrilled to have him back and for him to be a part of our future,” said Arturas Karnišovas, EVP – Basketball Operations, Chicago Bulls.
The former UCLA Bruin was named to the NBA’s All-Rookie Second Team in 2018 – part of a campaign that saw him become the youngest player in NBA history (20 years, 15 days) at the time to record a triple-double (at MIL, 11/11/17). Ball has amassed eight triple-doubles, 37 double-doubles and 41 games with 10-plus assists in his career.
Prior to the NBA, Ball spent one season at UCLA and posted averages of 14.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 7.6 assists in 31.5 minutes across 36 games (all starts). He earned selections to the 2016-17 Associated Press All-America First Team, 2016-17 Consensus All-America First Team, 2016-17 All-Pac-12 First Team and was named 2016-17 Pac-12 Rookie of the Year.
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