Bulls, Heat lose draft picks for jumping the gun in free agent talks with Lonzo Ball, Kyle Lowry

The NBA disciplined the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls on Wednesday for what the league says were both teams "violating league rules governing the timing of this season's free agency discussions."

Both teams will forfeit the next available second-round draft pick. 

Currently, the Heat could have one second round pick in 2022, but it's likely the second round pick won't be made until 2028. The Bulls next second-round pick is scheduled for the 2026 draft. 

The league's investigation centered on the Bulls and Heat and the sign-and-trade acquisitions of guards Lonzo Ball and Kyle Lowry as soon as the free agency period began on Aug. 2.

Ball was acquired by Chicago from the New Orleans Pelicans for Garrett Temple, Tomas Satoransky, and a 2024 second-round draft pick. Ball subsequently signed a four-year deal worth $85 million.

Lowry was traded from Toronto Raptors to the Heat for Goran Dragic and Precious Achiuwa and signed his own $85 million deal over three years. 

The teams could have received penalties to include loss of more draft picks, suspensions for team executives and a fine of up to $10 million per team.