Jazz Acquire Lonzo Ball, Second-Round Picks; Trade Landale to Hawks
The Utah Jazz have finalized two significant trades that will reshape their roster. Notably, they are acquiring point guard Lonzo Ball and two second-round picks from the Cleveland Cavaliers. Concurrently, they are trading center Jock Landale to the Atlanta Hawks for cash considerations. This maneuver is part of a larger three-team transaction.
Details of the Trade
According to reports from Shams Charania of ESPN, the Jazz’s acquisition of Ball is primarily for draft capital. Following the trade, Utah plans to waive Ball, making him an unrestricted free agent. He will become eligible to sign with any team except for the Cavaliers.
Ball’s Performance in Cleveland
Ball’s time with the Cavaliers was less than stellar. He averaged only 4.6 points and 20.8 minutes per game, recording career lows in multiple categories. His shooting struggles included a field goal percentage of 30.1% and a three-point percentage of 27.2%. The Cavaliers acquired Ball last summer in a trade that involved Isaac Okoro, hoping to strengthen their bench following Ty Jerome’s departure.
Financial Implications for the Cavaliers
- The Cavaliers will save approximately $65 million by trading Ball.
- Currently, they are $3.9 million over the second tax apron.
- They aim to avoid having their 2033 first-round pick “frozen” for trading options this offseason.
- Overall, Cleveland has generated savings close to $115 million from recent moves.
Jazz’s Strategic Moves
The Jazz are leveraging their substantial flexibility under the luxury tax threshold. After acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr., they still have room to absorb unwanted salaries, such as Ball’s contract. In this transaction, they secure the Cavaliers’ 2028 and 2032 second-round picks, the last remaining second-round selections available for trade from Cleveland.
The Fate of Jock Landale
Landale, who was part of the recent Jaren Jackson Jr. trade, is not included in Utah’s future plans. The Australian center had been performing well in Memphis, averaging 11.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. He will bring valuable frontcourt depth to the Hawks, who have been struggling with injuries this season.
Roster Adjustments for the Hawks
- The Hawks will need to waive a player to accommodate Landale.
- Potential candidates for waiver include Duop Reath and N’Faly Dante due to season-ending injuries.
- Landale’s minimum-salary contract allows the Hawks to absorb him without releasing another player.
These trades reflect the ongoing strategy shifts within the NBA as teams adjust their rosters for both immediate and future success. The Jazz and Cavaliers are making calculated moves to optimize their salary cap and roster depth while the Hawks seek to bolster their frontcourt amidst injury challenges.
