NBA gives Chicago Bulls their penalty for early contact in Lonzo Ball sign-and-trade deal after a 4-month tampering investigation
The Chicago Bulls were forced to forfeit their next second-round draft pick after a four-month NBA investigation determined the organization violated league rules while solidifying a sign-and-trade deal for guard Lonzo Ball with the New Orleans Pelicans.
The investigation began at the start of August before the four-year, $85 million agreement to bring Ball to Chicago was finalized. The league determined the Bulls made contact with Ball before the free-agency window opened, a violation of league rules. The Miami Heat also forfeited a second-round pick for their involvement in a similar deal to acquire Kyle Lowry from the Toronto Raptors.
The Bulls released a short statement after the league’s announcement.
“The Chicago Bulls cooperated completely with the league in its investigation. We are glad this process has concluded and look forward to the rest of our season.”
The Heat were less receptive to the decision, releasing a statement that read: “While we disagree, we accept the league’s decision. We are moving on with our season.”
According to RealGM.com, the Bulls won’t have a second-round pick until 2023 — although that pick, from the Denver Nuggets, is protected if it falls between Nos. 31-46 (the first half of the round). After that, the Bulls don’t own a second-round pick until 2026.
Cooperation might have been key to limiting both teams’ punishment. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported the league informed the Bulls and Heat in a memo that their cooperation in the investigation persuaded the league not to reach for higher penalties, including $10 million fines and suspensions for top executives.
Tampering refers to contact between free agents and teams outside of the free-agency period, which began Aug. 2 this year.
Punishments for tampering charges can be steep, particularly after the league bulked up its enforcement policies in 2019. In the most drastic situation, contracts related to a deal in which tampering was found to occur can be voided.
Ball quickly became a critical piece of the redefined Bulls roster this season. They sent Garrett Temple, Tomáš Satoranský, a 2024 second-round pick and cash to the Pelicans in exchange for Ball.
Averaging 12.5 points and 4.8 assists, Ball provides a complementary offensive presence to the star trio of DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine and Nikola Vučević, but Ball’s defense is what has made a difference for the Bulls.
Paired with Alex Caruso, Ball brings an aggressive energy to the team’s perimeter defense as the duo combines for three steals per game. Ball’s full-court vision helps fuel the Bulls’ transition offense, which is one of the best in the league.
