NBA: Grading the notable moves from the first day of free agency

Hornets-Pelicans-Bulls player swap

Bulls sign Lonzo Ball for 4 years/$85M

Grade: B

Lonzo Ball has been a polarizing player since he entered the league. However, he has significantly improved. His passing ability has always been there, but it has been improved. Questions about his shot form have disappeared as he has started shooting great percentages consistently. Now, coming off his rookie deal, he has done what he needs to do to earn his due.

For Chicago, nabbing “Lonzo Bull” gives the team a playmaker for stars Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic. While the grade is down because he’s paid a bit above market value, they didn’t trade much to acquire the restricted free agent.

Tomas Satoransky, Garrett Temple, and a second are all replaceable assets, and acquiring Ball at only 23 years old sets their core up nicely for the future.