Frank Ntilikina, Reggie Bullock and two 2nd round picks for Lonzo Ball
The rumor came true, we got a Ball brother, and it’s not LiAngelo! All jokes aside, Lonzo has been rumored to the Knicks for about a year now, and what time better to make it happen.
As much as all of New York is enamored with Immanuel Quickley already, for the time being, I see him best suited as a high-end second unit leader alongside Kevin Knox. Ball is one of the league’s premier facilitators and would provide an instant impact to the on-court production of all Knicks starters.
Say what you want about LaVar Ball, but he’s raised some intelligent basketball players. Lonzo’s court vision is second to none and has shown improvement in his jump shot and free throws since coming into the league three seasons ago.
Although he may require $18-20 million per year, with Julius Randle’s contract only being guaranteed for $4 million next year, the Knicks can still keep the same cap flexibility they have now while possibly acquiring the point guard they’ve coveted for so long.
Frank wouldn’t cost the Pels nearly as much to re-sign and fills a hole at either the starting two-guard position or off the bench, depending on what New Orleans wants to do with JJ Reddick. Also, I consider Frank to be a better defender than Ball, who also has the ability to guard multiple positions which new head coach Stan Van Gundy might prefer. The two 2nd rounders definitely sweeten the pot a bit, as the Pels continue to acquire pieces to build around budding superstar Zion Williamson.