Lonzo Ball pulls notable contract move

Dec 19, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) brings the ball up court against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Lonzo Ball is making the easiest decision of his life.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Saturday that the Chicago Bulls guard Ball has officially picked up his player option with the team for next season. Ball is opting into $21.4 million from the Bulls for the 2024-25 campaign.

That is an all-time no-brainer for Ball, who has not played at all since Jan. 2022 due to a lingering left knee injury. He originally signed a four-year, $80 million contract with the Bulls in 2021 and is now set to collect all of that money after just 35 total games played for Chicago to this point.

The last that we heard on Ball, a former No. 2 overall draft pick, was that he seemingly had a solid chance to play next season. While that may be entirely hypothetical after three surgeries on the same knee and almost two-and-a-half years and counting of missed time, Ball now at least has his money secure for next season.