Trade & FA 2025-26: Free Agency Starts 5pm CST/6pm EST

[F Gump]

The price on Ball at the deadline was reported to be expiring and multiple seconds but CHI extended his contract despite reported interest from playoff teams. 

I think the market for Ball was lukewarm at best, mostly consisting of CHI taking on a bad matching contract and getting a crap pick. 

I don't think the extension says they still want him, but rather they redid his salary (LESS THAN HALF) and only agreed to a single year, clearly a desire to make a trade match (smaller matching salary) easier to swallow, and the other team only has to make a small commitment. To me, any 10M ish player that CHI can use will do the trick.

CHI had to be hoping he would end the year showing he was back and able to play well (and play regularly). He never did, so my belief is he'd be easy to get if you want him...although, also a risk, even with the small contract. Interestingly the Powell Hardy package is a perfect match.

Of note. Cap rules make a Ball trade hard and tricky now but easy in July. 

Do we know a team looking for a PG at a bargain price?