The Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks are considered the top contenders for Lonzo Ball should he leave the New Orleans Pelicans this summer as a restricted free agent.

The Knicks project to have the most cap space in the NBA in 2021.

The Bulls, however, had more intensive trade discussions at the deadline with the Pelicans on a deal for Ball than the Knicks. New York only "made a very light push for Ball."

New Orleans is expected to decline to match any offer for Ball over $20 million per season due to their preference for Kira Lewis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.