The New York Knicks are working hard to acquire Lonzo Ball from the New Orleans Pelicans but might have to involve a third team to get a deal done.
Mike Mazzeo reported the Knicks are trying to find a third team to take on the remainder of Eric Bledsoe's contract from New Orleans. Mazzeo added the Knicks have also been linked to fellow Pels guard J.J. Redick.
In potential talks about pending Pelicans RFA PG Lonzo Ball, Knicks have been trying to find a third team to take Eric Bledsoe's remaining deal, source says. Unclear if anything occurs before Thursday's deadline. JJ Redick has also been linked to Knicks (w/ Nets buyout possible)
— Mike Mazzeo (@MazzNYC) March 23, 2021
New York is clearly intent on adding to its backcourt. But they could be hard-pressed to land Lonzo Ball, especially if New Orleans is demanding Bledsoe be included in any potential trade.
Bledsoe has not exactly been horrible this season. He is averaging 11.5 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.4 rebounds through his first 41 appearances. The former Kentucky standout is also shooting close to 37 percent from deep, his best mark in that department since the 2015-16 campaign.
However, Bledsoe is owed over $18 million next season and has a $19 million salary in 2022-23 that is partially guaranteed. The above production does not seem to match the price tag, especially for an aging veteran guard who generally struggles to shoot the ball and has been worth negative value in terms of VORP.
The Pelicans might also be just as keen on keeping Ball for the remainder of the season. He will be a restricted free agent this summer and could give Pels management pause with a steep asking price. But Ball might also be a building block when not forced to play in a crowded backcourt.
Regardless, the Knicks appear to have their work cut out if they still hope to pry Lonzo Ball's stats away from New Orleans before Thursday.
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