The Chicago Bulls made a big investment when they signed Lonzo Ball, revamping their roster to try and go back to playoff contention.
The early returns were quite encouraging, as they even led the Eastern Conference at some point before their starting point guard fell with a knee injury.
It’s been a year and a half since Lonzo was able to be on the floor, and the Bulls have already ruled him out for the entire 2023-24 season.
With that in mind, the team has officially applied for a Designated Player Exception worth $10.2 million, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
The Chicago Bulls have applied to the NBA for a Disabled Player Exception worth $10.2 million due to injury of Lonzo Ball, who is expected to miss the entire 2023-24 season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 2, 2023
If granted, this signing would allow the Bulls to have some more cap space available for free agency or trades.
The Bulls could also look to get Ball’s contract off their books by applying for a career-ending injury exclusion.
That would clear plenty of cap space for the future, and he’d still get to collect his paycheck, so it seems like the wisest choice at this point.
Ball has suffered countless setbacks in his recovery, and doctors reportedly still don’t know why he continues suffering pain after multiple surgeries.
He was playing the best basketball of his career after some early struggles with the Los Angeles Lakers, establishing himself as one of the best defensive guards in the league.
Now, some believe he might not be able to play again in his career, and judging by this news, that sure seems like the most realistic scenario.
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