NBA Will Reportedly Make 2 Teams Forfeit Draft Picks After Investigation
After months of investigation, the NBA has reportedly released its punishment for two of the league’s teams.
According to ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat will be forced to forfeit their next available second-round draft picks as a result of a probe into early contact during this summer’s free agency period.
The probe was centered around the sign-and-trades of Lonzo Ball and Kyle Lowry.
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 period when teams were allowed to discuss free agency deals with players opened up at 6 p.m. ET on Aug. 2. Wojnarowski reported the Lonzo Ball sign-and-trade deal to Chicago at 6:01 p.m. ET. Sign-and-trade deals are more complicated and time-consuming than regular free-agent arrangements, raising eyebrows around the league with this timing.
The NBA first announced the launching of its investigation on Aug. 7.
The Pelicans sent Ball, a restricted free agent, to Chicago on a four-year, $80 million contract in exchange for Garrett Temple and Tomas Satoransky. The Raptors sent Kyle Lowry to Miami on a three-year, $85 million for Goran Dragic and Precious Achiuwa.
Miami will be forced to give up the 49th overall pick in the 2022 draft. Chicago has no second-round pick in the upcoming draft.
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