The future of Lonzo Ball with the New Orleans Pelicans is anything but guaranteed at this point. As it turns out, a key development in Zion Williamson's game could actually prove to be the key factor that leads to the Pels letting Ball walk away as a free agent this summer.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the fact that the Pelicans have tested Zion's fit as the team's primary point guard might not bode well for Ball's future in New Orleans:

The noise about Chicago being in the mix for Lonzo seems to have some legs to it depending on who you talk to around the league. There is a belief Lonzo can get around $20 million. I don’t know if New Orleans is going to value him that much, especially as they experimented with the point role towards the end of the season.

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Zion Williamson has shown the ability to serve as the team's ball handler, and the Pelicans are apparently willing to hand him over the reins of the offense from a playmaking standpoint. The point forward position has emerged as a unique and effective weapon in the NBA today, and Williamson absolutely fits that mold.

It is also worth noting that according to the above report, Ball could be looking for a contract in the region of $20 million per year. The Pelicans might not be able/willing to meet his demands, which would open up an opportunity for a team such as the Chicago Bulls to swoop in. Squads such as the Los Angeles Clippers and New York Knicks have likewise been linked to Lonzo, so it goes without saying that the 23-year-old will not be short on options this summer.