Lonzo Ball, Cleveland Cavaliers
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Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Lonzo Ball
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been aggressive ahead of the NBA trade deadline and continue to be active.
First, the team traded De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder. That wasn’t the big trade though. James Harden as acquired next.
After pulling off the blockbuster deal with the Los Angeles Clippers to acquire Harden in exchange for Darius Garland and a second-round pick, the Cavaliers have made another trade. This time, they’re shipping a guard out of town.
According to a report from ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, Cleveland has agreed to trade point guard Lonzo Ball and two second-round picks to the Utah Jazz.
“The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to trade Lonzo Ball and two second-round picks to the Utah Jazz, sources tell ESPN,” Charania wrote on X. “Ball’s agent Rich Paul and the Jazz are expected to discuss his future soon.”
In addition to the Cavaliers and Jazz being part of the trade, the Atlanta Hawks got involved and acquired Jock Landale from Utah. Charania provided more details on that part of the move.
“Essentially a three-team trade that allows Jazz to pick up two seconds, the Hawks to land a productive center in Landale and the Cavaliers to shed significant salary and tax savings while bringing in James Harden, Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder to fortify the roster this week.”
Charania has also reported that Ball is expected to be bought out by the Jazz.
Why the Trade Makes Sense for the Cleveland Cavaliers
After trading for Harden, it’s clear that Cleveland is setting itself up for more moves both now and down the road. The Cavaliers are all-in on building an NBA Finals contender around Donovan Mitchell.
Trading Ball clears salary for the Cavaliers. He was owed $10 million for this season with a club option for the 2026-27 campaign that would also pay him $10 million if exercised.
Most notably, reports have come out that Cleveland is planning to recruit LeBron James during the NBA offseason. Both Mitchell and Harden will attempt to bring him back to the Cavaliers.
Ball was unable to make much of an impact this season. After trading for both Schroder and Ellis, Cleveland simply didn’t have room for Ball on the roster.
What Does the Trade Accomplish for the Jazz?
Quite simply, the Jazz got involved to add additional draft capital. With the news coming out that they’re not going to keep Ball, this deal was all about the second-round picks.
In recent years, second-round picks have been quite valuable. Teams have been able to package multiple second-round draft selections to acquire talent.
Utah isn’t swinging for the fences with this trade, but the front office is adding capital for the future. After trading with the Memphis Grizzlies for star power forward Jaren Jackson Jr., the Jazz could use all of the future assets they can get.