2021 NBA Free Agency: 5 possible destinations for Lonzo Ball

The New Orleans Pelicans had mixed fortunes last year. Despite struggling to 13th position in the West, their season was concentrated more on the progression of their young stars. Brandon Ingram had a breakout year while Lonzo Ball continued to improve at point guard. However, the latter will be entering the 2021 NBA Free Agency next year and will be looking at this season as an opportunity to prove his worth.

Though hampered by injury, Pelicans fans were also able to see early signs of what much-anticipated rookie Zion Williamson was capable of. Ahead of the new season, if the Pelicans are able to keep these three fit, the franchise can push up the standings in the West.

Lonzo Ball may see this as a make or break season after the point guard failed to reach an agreement with the club over an extension of his contract. Therefore, lets have a look at where Ball could land if he were to move out of New Orleans in the next offseason.

There will be no agreement on a rookie extension for Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball, @KlutchSports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN. Ball will become a restricted free agent next summer. Both sides remain positive about the ability to move forward together, Paul tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 21, 2020

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5 Teams that could benefit from point guard Lonzo Ball when he enters the 2021 NBA Free Agency

#1 Dallas Mavericks

There is no doubt the Dallas Mavericks are one of the most enticing prospects this season. Around the league, analysts have tipped them to finish among the elite in the West, led by MVP-candidate Luka Doncic. The Slovenian is a versatile guard though could be moved back to shooting guard if the Mavs were keen to bring in Lonzo Ball in 2021 NBA Free Agency.

Depending on Lonzo Ball's development this season, Dallas could see the 23-year-old as the third piece to go alongside Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis. If Ball has a career-high season, his expected salary of up to $20 million could be the perfect fit for the Mavs franchise. With Doncic the offensive leader, Ball could be utilized in an accommodating role to support the two Dallas superstars.

#2 Charlotte Hornets

Understandably the most intriguing destination for Lonzo Ball in 2021 NBA Free Agency would be the Charlotte Hornets. The franchise just picked up his brother, LaMelo Ball, 3rd in this year's draft and the two could link up to form the franchise's backcourt of the future.

In order to bring in Lonzo, the Hornets would have to renounce its free agents and not extend Devonte' Graham's contract. Graham averaged 18 points and 7 assists last season while Ball averaged the same assists but with 11 points. Despite this, Graham took 5 extra shots per game on average than Ball and shot at a lower effective percentage.

There is no doubt Lonzo Ball has improved his shooting over the past year, an aspect of his game sharpshooting teammate J.J. Redick discussed during the offseason. This has led many to tip Ball as an early contender for Most Improved Player this season after his teammate Ingram picked up the award in 2020.

#3 New Orleans Pelicans

Instead of leaving in the 2021 NBA Free Agency, Lonzo Ball may be offered the choice to stay in New Orleans. As the point guard is entering as a restricted free agent, his current side will have the opportunity match whatever contracts he may receive.

As mentioned, the Pelicans have been developing around their two stars, Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. Since there are few teams in the NBA seeking a point guard, it does explain why the Pelicans have been patient with Ball with the hopes they can re-sign him on a cheaper deal. Furthermore, they are yet to see the wow-factor that was attached with his name when he entered the league as the No. 2 overall pick by the Lakers.

#4 New York Knicks

The New York Knicks are another team with ambitions of growing their young roster for the years ahead. With the cap space to afford Lonzo Ball in the 2021 NBA Free Agency, a high-profile franchise such as the Knicks could be well-suited to the spotlight that comes with Ball and his family.

There is no denying the fact that the Knicks have struggled in recent years, particularly on the offensive end where they ranked 28th last season. Currently, they have decent depth in the guard positions; therefore, they would have to let go of one, if not two to make way so Ball could start. Lonzo could see the Knicks as an opportunity to be a team leader, which he would be denied of if he were to stay in New Orleans.

#5 LA Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers v Denver Nuggets - Game Six

One team in which Lonzo Ball could replace the current point guard is the LA Clippers. Currently, Patrick Beverley holds the spot for the franchise but averaged fewer points, rebounds and assists than Ball last season. Granted, he did play 6 fewer minutes per game but is an aging guard who the Clippers may feel could be eased out of the starting line-up.

Ball has faced the pressue of playing in Los Angeles already across town with the Lakers. However, there would be less onus on him to carry the offense with Paul George dedicated to the franchise and potentially Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers could be an ideal fit for both team and player.

Edited by rkelly8686