Author: Monojit Mandal
The NBA granted the Chicago Bulls a $10.2 million Disabled Player Exception as a result of Lonzo Ball’s knee ailment, giving the organization more financial flexibility. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Ball is expected to miss all of next season, and the Bulls requested the exception on July 2.
Lonzo Ball has had a turbulent experience in Chicago since joining the organization in a sign-and-trade deal in the 2021-22 season. The Bulls started the season in first place in the Eastern Conference, with a dangerous roster that included DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Ball, Nikola Vuevi and Alex Caruso.
Unfortunately, Ball’s knee injury hampered the team’s play, as they finished sixth. His participation in the playoffs ended in the first round against the Milwaukee Bucks, and Ball’s absence was sorely felt. The Bulls were eliminated from the playoffs the following season after losing in the playoffs to the Miami Heat. Ball will have played just 35 games for the Bulls in three seasons if he sits out the entire 2023-24 season.
The NBA’s decision to grant the Disabled Player Exception, on the other hand, presents a positive side for the Bulls. Keith Smith, from Spotrac, said that the exemption allows the team to acquire a player through a signing, trade or waiver request, but can only be used to offer a contract for the duration of the season. While the Bulls’ financial freedom may not result in a franchise-changing addition, it does offer a chance for the organization to improve its roster as it strives to evolve from a play-in team to a true playoff contender.
Although Lonzo Ball’s time in Chicago didn’t go as planned, the Bulls can now explore ways to improve their roster thanks to the NBA exception. As the season approaches, the team will have the task of competing against top Eastern Conference opponents without Ball, which makes the latest exemption news even more critical for their hopes.