NBA docks Bulls second-round pick in Lonzo tampering investigation
The NBA’s investigation into the potential tampering violations in the acquisitions of Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball and Miami Heat’s guard Kyle Lowry has come to an end.
First reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the NBA will make both Chicago and Miami forfeit their next available second-round pick due to the findings during the investigation.
ESPN Sources: The NBA will make Chicago and Miami forfeit their next available second-round draft pick over findings in probe into early contact in summer free agency. Probe was centered on Lonzo Ball and Kyle Lowry sign and trades.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 1, 2021
The Bulls released the following statement regarding the NBA’s findings: “We are glad this process has concluded and look forward to the rest of our season.” Via Wojnarowski’s report, the league stated that ‘both teams fully cooperated with the investigations.”
The two teams were being investigating for potential tampering violations prior to free agency starting. For the Bulls, a deal was announced with Lonzo just minutes after the free agency period started, which raised eyebrows across the league.
Ball signed a four-year, $85 million deal with the Bulls, which ultimately became a sign-and-trade with the Pelicans.
