It has been an up-and-down career so far for Lonzo Ball, but he has shown steady improvements despite some criticisms. He's having a solid season so far, averaging 14.2 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.2 rebounds while shooting 38.9% from beyond the arc. For that reason, it sounds as though the New York Knicks are interested in acquiring Ball either before the trade deadline via trade or when he hits restricted free agency this summer.
Likewise, the Knicks âwould be heavily on Ball's radar as a restricted free agent,â according to Marc Berman of the New York Post. New York is set to have a lot of cap room and could throw a big offer sheet Ball's way:
ESPN's cap guru Bobby Marks told The Post he doubts the Pelicans would match an offer sheet that starts higher than $18 million. The max starting number is $28 million.
The Knicks could use the help at point guard right now, but it's unclear if the Pelicans are willing to trade Ball given how well he has been playing. If New York wants to wait, the franchise might be able to just snag the young guard without giving up anything.
The Ball family seems to have a mutual interest in New York as well, as it has been reported that LaVar Ball listed New York as a potential landing spot for LaMelo Ball before the draft. A big-market team is what the Ball family has always pushed for, so Lonzo going to a Knicks team on the rise is probably a welcoming idea.
The NBA trade deadline is March 25. If a deal doesn't get done by then, we may see Lonzo Ball sign with New York in the offseason.