NBA free agency rumors are already swirling before the 2021 playoffs have officially begun. Lonzo Ball will be one of the most coveted players on the market, and the New Orleans Pelicans will have an expensive decision to make regarding their young guard.

Ball is set to be a restricted free agent, meaning the Pelicans can match any offer that he signs. The Chicago Bulls have a lot of interest in Ball, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The New York Knicks are also expected to consider making the 23-year-old an offer.

Chicago and New Orleans had serious discussions about Ball before this year’s trade deadline, Wojnarowski reported on "The Woj Pod." A deal was never agreed upon because the Bulls used multiple first-round draft picks to acquire Nikola Vucevic. The team decided to wait until the offseason when they would have a chance to acquire Ball without giving up any assets.

The Knicks will have cap space this summer, as well, as they look for an upgrade at point guard. New York is set to face the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the playoffs. Chicago missed the postseason for the fourth straight year.

Ball would be a good fit for either team, considering he plays well without the ball in his hands. Bulls guard Zach LaVine was a 2021 All-Star as one of the league’s most ball-dominant players. New York often runs the offense through Julius Randle, who averaged 6.0 assists per game and is expected to be an All-NBA selection.

Ball set career highs this past season, averaging 14.6 points per game, shooting 41.4% from the field and 37.8% from 3-point range. Ball added 4.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game.

It’s unknown if New Orleans would match a lucrative contract offer to Ball. Ball was at the center of trade rumors for much of the season.

Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks to pass against Cameron Payne #15 of the Phoenix Suns
Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks to pass against Cameron Payne #15 of the Phoenix Suns Getty Images | Christian Petersen
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