4 Bulls Entering Their Final Season With Chicago in 2024-25

2. Lonzo Ball, PG

All signs point to Lonzo Ball being in the Bulls' opening night lineup following a lengthy absence. The former 2017 second-overall pick hasn't suited up since January 2022 after dealing with a knee injury that required three surgeries and a meniscus replacement.

After years of hard work, Ball officially made his return to action during the Bulls' preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 16. But even though the 26-year-old playmaker is excited to be back, there's no telling how long his stay in Chicago will last.

For starters, Ball is set to hit free agency at the end of the season. Whether he plays well or looks like a shell of his former self, there's always a possibility that he chooses to play elsewhere next year or the Bulls decide not to re-sign him altogether. After all, he's only played 35 regular season games since signing a four-year, $85 million contract extension.

An expiring contract also means that the Bulls could potentially trade Ball as a rental ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

There's also the possibility that Ball's body won't be able to handle the NBA grind anymore. Missing nearly three years of action is significant and the veteran PG has already discussed how he'll likely have to manage knee discomfort for this season and beyond. With $91.5 million in career earnings, he doesn't exactly need to work anymore.

Regardless, we should know more about Ball's future in Chicago as the season progresses.