Former Laker Lonzo Ball traded to Cleveland Cavaliers
A new beginning in Cleveland for a talent who has not lost faith
Lonzo Ball returns to center stage in the NBA. As confirmed by ESPN on Saturday, the 27-year-old point guard has been traded by the Chicago Bulls to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who will send forward Isaac Okoro in exchange.
The move not only represents an opportunity for Ball to relaunch his career, but also marks a bid by the Cavs to add depth to a roster looking to take the next step in the Eastern Conference.
Ball, the number 2 overall pick in the 2017 Draft with the Los Angeles Lakers, came to the NBA loaded with expectations. However, injuries have been a constant that has kept him from his best form. After spells with the Pelicans and Bulls, and following a long recovery from complex left knee surgery, he played 35 games this past season averaging 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals.
While his numbers aren't exactly eye-catching, his defensive ability and game-reading skills are still valuable.
For the Cavaliers, who are coming off an impressive 64-18 finish to the regular season, the signing of Ball is a strategic one. The team of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen fell in the Eastern Conference semifinals to the surprising Indiana Pacers of Tyrese Haliburton, and now looks to bolster its roster with players who can make a difference.
Isaac Okoro arrives at the rebuilding Bulls
The trade also impacts Chicago, which receives Isaac Okoro, a young, defensive forward who played 55 games this season with averages of 6.1 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists. At 24 years old, Okoro joins a franchise in the midst of rebuilding, which finished ninth in the Eastern Conference with a 39-43 record and without a playoff berth.
Okoro represents a useful piece for the Bulls, who are looking for role players with projection to accompany their transition. Meanwhile, Ball arrives in Cleveland on a two-year, $20 million contract with a team option for the 2026-27 season.
An important detail: Darius Garland is recovering from foot surgery and could miss the start of next season,which opens the door for Lonzo to have a starring role from the start.