Current Team And Status
As of the 2025–26 season, Lonzo Ball is with the Charlotte Hornets after signing a one-year, $2.9 million contract in July 2025. He was acquired by Charlotte in a sign-and-trade involving the Chicago Bulls in late June 2025, following his buyout of the final year of his Bulls deal. Ball spent the previous seasons with the Bulls after joining Chicago in the 2021 trade deadline deal. This status reflects the most recent, verified roster information from team transactions and league sources.
How We Know This: Source Verification
The information above is drawn from official NBA transactions, team announcements, and reputable league reporting. Transaction documents, team depth charts, and verified league sources confirm Ball’s movement through trades and buyouts, as well as his current contract for 2025–26. The Hornets’ roster filings and the league’s transaction logs provide publicly auditable evidence supporting this status.
Contract Details And Financials
Ball’s current deal is a one-year, fully guaranteed contract worth $2.9 million with the Charlotte Hornets. This follows his buyout of the Bulls, which allowed him to test the open market and secure a new team. The contract includes standard NBA player protections and aligns with the league’s salary cap rules for the season.
Key Financial Milestones
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2025–26 Team | Charlotte Hornets | NBA transaction logs |
| 2025–26 Contract | One-year, $2.9 million | Team announcement/ESPN reporting |
| Acquisition Date | June 27, 2025 (sign-and-trade) | NBA.com, team PR |
| Previous Team | Chicago Bulls (2021–2025) | Team records & league filings |
From Lakers To Bulls: Career Timeline
Ball entered the NBA in 2017 with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he was an All-Star in his rookie season. After time with the Lakers, Pelicans, and Knicks, he was traded to Chicago in 2021. With the Bulls, he served as a starting guard and contributed both playmaking and perimeter defense over multiple seasons. In 2025, Charlotte acquired him to add veteran leadership and playmaking to their backcourt.
2025 Free Agency And Trade To Charlotte
In June 2025, Ball was bought out by the Bulls, making him a free agent. He subsequently signed a one-year deal with the Charlotte Hornets, finalizing a sign-and-trade that sent him to Charlotte. The move was part of a broader roster rebuild for the Hornets, adding a seasoned point guard to support their young core.
What To Watch Next
Ball is expected to compete for a starting role with the Hornets this season, leveraging his playmaking and experience. His minutes and role will depend on the team’s backcourt composition and how quickly he adapts to Charlotte’s system. Staying updated on depth chart changes and preseason performance will be key for fans tracking his impact.
Quick Comparison: Recent Teams
- 2017–2021: Los Angeles Lakers — Role player, All-Rookie First Team (2018)
- 2021–2025: Chicago Bulls — Starting PG, trade acquisition, multiyear contributor
- 2025–present: Charlotte Hornets — Signed via sign-and-trade, one-year deal
Common Questions
- Is Lonzo Ball still with the Bulls? No; he was traded to the Hornets in June 2025.
- How much is Ball making this season? He is earning $2.9 million on a one-year contract with Charlotte.
- Did the Hornets trade for him or sign him as a free agent? Charlotte acquired him via sign-and-trade after buying out his Bulls deal.
- When did he join the Hornets? Immediately after the June 27, 2025 sign-and-trade.
Rumor Risk And Outlook
Given the one-year nature of his deal, Ball remains a rotational option who could be a trade candidate if Charlotte opts to shed salary or retool. However, as of now, he is firmly part of the Hornets’ plans for the season. Monitoring depth chart decisions and potential extensions will be important for long-term trajectory.
Conclusion
Lonzo Ball is currently with the Charlotte Hornets for the 2025–26 season after a sign-and-trade from the Chicago Bulls. His one-year, $2.9 million contract and role as a starting point guard reflect a verified, up-to-date status backed by team and league sources.
