Fresh off a historic season, the Cleveland Cavaliers land potential-packed backcourt threat Lonzo Ball from the Chicago Bulls.
Fresh off a historic campaign, the Cleveland Cavaliers are officially having a Ball this offseason.
Per Shams Charania of ESPN, the Cavaliers have acquired potential-packed backcourt threat Lonzo Ball from the Chicago Bulls in a trade that sends Isaac Okoro to their Central Division rival.
Ball, the second overall pick in the 2017 draft, comes to the earners of the last Eastern Conference top seed after spending the past four years on the Bulls’ roster. However, injuries limited Ball to just 70 games in the Windy City, during which he averaged 10.3 points, over four assists, and four rebounds each.
This season saw Ball return to action after a two-year absence due to knee issues. He averaged 7.6 points in 35 appearances, with his return partially cut short by wrist ailments. Despite his struggles to stay healthy, Ball was granted a two-year, $20 million extension in February, which includes a club option for the 2026–27 season.
Welcome to the Cavs, Lonzo Ball! pic.twitter.com/LroLlAj55N
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) June 28, 2025
How Lonzo Ball Can Impact The Cavaliers
Obtaining Ball should give the Cavaliers added depth following their 64-win season, one of the best in franchise history, which was ultimately spoiled by late-season injuries to primary point guard Darius Garland. The two-time All-Star also underwent toe surgery to treat the ailment that limited his postseason showcase to five games, which should keep him out for four-to-five months. Cleveland is also expected to lose Sixth Man of the Year finalist Ty Jerome to free agency over this offseason.
In its most recent postseason run, Cleveland made quick work of the Play-In winners from Miami in the opening round before falling to the Indiana Pacers in five games.
Okoro, the fifth overall pick in 2020, joins the Bulls after five seasons in Cleveland, averaging 8.1 points in that span. Chicago takes on $22 million over the next two seasons after he signed a three-year extension last September.
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