Lonzo Ball has become the most recent player in the NBA to fall victim of trade speculation. Sure, he’s not the same caliber of player as Bradley Beal or Blake Griffin (okay, maybe Blake Griffin nowadays…) but Lonzo Ball’s position in the league is still very intriguing. He came into the league with a lot of pressure, being followed by his father LaVar Ball and the Big Baller Brand. He got drafted to the Lakers with the #2 draft pick in 2017, and then was moved to the New Orleans Pelicans during the summer of 2019 in a big trade for Anthony Davis.

The Pelicans, viewed as a key team in NBA trade market, are receiving calls on Lonzo Ball and JJ Redick from interested teams and have shown openness to discussing both, per sources.

More in latest Inside Pass at @TheAthletic: https://t.co/KpLWLLTMZ3

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 26, 2021

As reported by Shams Charania, the Pelicans are receiving calls and open to trading Lonzo Ball. Ball has great value in the league, in his last year prior to going into restricted free agency after his rookie contract. Based on the eye-test alone, Ball’s shooting stroke has improved over the years, where it’s no longer being released from the side of his head. Last year, he posted his highest points per game average (11.8), and by far his highest three point shooting percentage (37.5%). As a 23 year old point guard who has a knack for getting the ball up the court quickly, Ball should have plenty of interest around the league. Here are some teams that Ball could fit with seamlessly.

Chicago Bulls

A backcourt with Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball would be one of the most athletic backcourts in the league. The Bulls have Coby White running the point guard position right now, but White seems more comfortable as a lead guard who can get his shots up. With a pass first point guard like Ball, the Bulls could push White to the shooting guard and LaVine to the small forward, and truly play a young run and gun style. The fit would be seamless and this could allow LaVine and White even more shots.

Los Angeles Clippers

Lets bring Lonzo Ball back to LA! The Clippers fell in the Bubble to the Denver Nuggets, and one of the main reasons was the point guard depth. The Clippers are relying on Patrick Beverly to fill in the point guard position, with Lou Williams coming off the bench. Lou WIlliams is having a slow year to start, and frankly hasn’t shot the 3-pointer as well as his highlights show. Over the last few years, Williams has averaged between 35-36% from the 3 line, a feet that Ball could easily replicate with that much space. Imagine Ball catching a rebound, and sending the outlet pass to Paul George along the wing.

New York Knicks

The Knicks haven’t made any big blockbusters since bringing in World Wide Wes and Leon Rose to the front office. Lonzo would bring a new pizzazz to the Garden that fans (who can’t currently attend) haven’t seen! The risk is low since Ball is still on his rookie level salary for the year, and this would be a great test for him. If the team doesn’t like what he offers, if he doesn’t fit in with coach Thibodeau, if he doesn’t mesh with the team, then they can let Ball walk during the off season by not matching any offers that he gets. It’s a low risk, high potential move!

Detroit Pistons

This is not a sexy pick, whatsoever. But the logic is the same for the Knicks as for the Pistons, who are undoubtedly in the Cade Cunningham sweepstakes. But that being said, the Pistons are relying on Derrick Rose in a contract year and Delon Wright to be the primary ball handlers. Killian Hayes was drafted this past offseason, but hasn’t panned out just yet (but he’s still really young so let’s give him some time). Again, what’s the risk here for the Pistons to give Lonzo a test. A Ball-Grant connection could be exactly with Little Caesars Arena needed.

Charlotte Hornets

Okay yes, this is clearly for those of us in the content game. But just imagine, a Ball-Ball backcourt! These two guys throwing alley-oops to Miles Bridges, while sharing the floor with Terry Rozier or Devonte’ Graham. The Hornets started the year hot, but the expectation is clear. This year is all about development, so why not let the brothers play together. Maybe they can share a chequing account like the Morris twins to make it easy on the accounting team.