With just days to go before the official start of NBA free agency, it’s looking less likely that the New Orleans Pelicans will re-sign guard Lonzo Ball.
Spencer Dinwidde and DeMar DeRozan are two players that will be on the Knicks' radar when free agency hits.
On Lonzo Ball? People familiar with the situation consider it "highly unlikely" that the Pelicans match any offers to the restricted free agent.
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“A couple people over the weekend who would be informed of the decision reiterated that they felt that New Orleans was highly unlikely to match any offers to restricted free agent Lonzo Ball,” said Ian Begley of SportsNet New York.
Ball is coming off his fourth season out of the University of California, Los Angeles. He stepped up his game this season, and in particular, he improved his 3-point shot.
However, there are still questions surrounding him. He’s still seen as at least somewhat injury prone, and some may not be fully confident in his motor or dedication.
Still, Ball is a very viable option at the point guard spot for a number of teams, as he possesses multiple skill sets.
One team that has been rumored to have interest in him is his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers. Ball could help them by giving them another legitimate playmaker alongside an aging LeBron James while upgrading their perimeter defense.
Ball grew up in Chino Hills, Calif., which is just over 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
