Lonzo Ball, New Orleans Pelicans. (Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports)
Lonzo Ball is reportedly interested in joining the New York Knicks in his restricted free agency.
New Orleans Pelicans point guard Lonzo Ball will be hitting restricted free agency this summer. One team he would reportedly be interested in going to are the New York Knicks. Would that be a good potential landing spot for him, though?
Of course, the Pelicans have the right to match any offer Ball would get on the open market in his restricted free agency, but keep in mind he was not drafted by the Pelicans. Ball came over to New Orleans in the blockbuster deal with the Los Angeles Lakers involving power forward Anthony Davis. Ball does offer value on the open market and he may sign with the Knicks this summer.
The New York Knicks could solve their point guard issues with Lonzo Ball
What makes Ball such an intriguing potential free-agent acquisition for the Knicks is his ability to distribute the rock, as well as his length to be able to hold his own defensively. That could be key in bringing Ball to Manhattan, as Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau has built his coaching reputation on excellence on the defensive end of the floor. He could have a use for Ball on a second contract.
Overall, this is entirely contingent on what the Pelicans want to do this offseason. This is the first season that Stan Van Gundy has served as their head coach. He too is keen on coaching up his players defensively. However, Ball may command more on the open market than what the Pelicans are willing to play. So if Ball does leave the Big Easy, it may end up being for the Big Apple.
We will need to keep an eye on what happens to Ball in his upcoming restricted free agency.