Lonzo Ball “Would Love To Be Back” with the Pelicans Next Season

Lonzo Ball with UCLA in 2017
Lonzo Ball with UCLA in 2017. Photo by Peter Joneleit/CSM/REX/Shutterstock (8451262c)

It appears that Lonzo Ball doesn’t hold a grudge against the New Orleans Pelicans despite the franchise failing to give him a new deal and reportedly offering him in trade talks ahead of the trade deadline.

During a recent chat with reporters, Ball said that he “would love to be back” with the Pelicans next season and beyond.

“I built a bond here with the coaches and the teammates who are here,” added Ball, who is set to enter restricted free agency this offseason. “I definitely wouldn’t mind coming back at all.”

His teammate Zion Williamson would also like to continue playing with Ball. According to Williamson, he, Ball, and fellow All-Star Brandon Ingram have a great relationship that can continue growing.

“But you know, like I said, the reality of the situation is Zo is a grown man, so he’ll make the decision that’s best for him,” said Williamson. “The only thing I can say is, I hope he stays.”

Ball arguably had his best season as a pro in 2020-21, scoring career-high 14.6 points per contest and adding 4.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists. But this reportedly didn’t help relieve the doubts that the Pelicans have about his game and his future with the franchise.

New Orleans can keep Lonzo Ball by hammering out a deal before he hits the free agency or by matching any offer he receives from another team. Whether that happens will most likely depend on the type of contract he is asking for. If the price gets too high, expect the Pelicans to bow out as they need to keep their cap flexibility in order to continue building around Williamson.

Gunner's favorite movies are Pulp Fiction, Iron Man (just the first one), and every James Bond film ever made. He's learning TV and cinema and hoping to always enjoy movies as he does now.