NBA trade rumors: Former Lakers lottery pick linked to Mavericks as Anthony Davis' pick-and-roll partner until Kyrie Irving returns 

The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly looking for options at the point guard position until Kyrie Irving returns and Lonzo Ball's name has surfaced as Anthony Davis' new pick-and-roll partner. Ball extended his tenure in Chicago last season by signing a two-year, $20,000,000 extension after returning from a two-and-a-half-year injury hiatus.

With the Bulls acquiring Josh Giddey, Ball could be expendable as Chicago looks to rebuild and move its veterans. Amid the noise surrounding Dallas' need for depth at the one, Mavericks insider Marc Stein isn't ruling out a potential move for Ball.

Here's what he said on the DLLS Mavs podcast:

“I would just say… he’s an interesting name that we need to keep on the radar.”

Lonzo Ball was drafted third by the Lakers in 2016, where he spent two years before being shipped to New Orleans in the blockbuster trade for Anthony Davis. Ball then joined the Bulls in 2021 and has played two seasons there.

He's coming off a career-low season after returning from a lengthy injury hiatus, averaging 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, shooting 34.4% from 3. Ball's numbers don't indicate his potential at all and shouldn't be considered, as he played through minute restrictions in his 35 appearances.

With a healthy offseason for the first time in four years, Ball could be a valuable asset for the Mavericks next to Anthony Davis, adding to the team's defensive versatility.

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What can the Dallas Mavericks offer for Lonzo Ball to pair him with Anthony Davis?

Lonzo Ball is making only $20,000,000, making it an easy deal for the Mavericks. They can offload multiple minimum-level contracts and attach a second-round pick if that's what the Bulls eye, or offer better players like P.J. Washington, or Daniel Gafford to create cap room and demand a first-round pick or two.

Ball's value is much lower than it would ideally be, considering his injury history, so he would be a low-risk buy-low target. They can add him and keep him as a second-unit point guard. The Mavs can also engage another team and acquire a starting-caliber point guard in the same deal.