Utah Jazz to Waive Lonzo Ball After Trade from Cavaliers
The Utah Jazz are set to waive Lonzo Ball after acquiring him from the Cleveland Cavaliers in a recent trade. This decision continues a pattern of the Jazz trading for notable point guards primarily for salary cap reasons.
Trade Overview
On Wednesday, the Jazz orchestrated a three-team trade that involved the Atlanta Hawks and the Cavaliers. In this deal, Utah sent Jock Landale to the Hawks while obtaining Lonzo Ball. Alongside Ball, the Jazz also received two second-round picks: one for 2028 and another for 2032.
Impact on Teams
- Utah Jazz: The Jazz utilized their trade exception from the John Collins deal to absorb Lonzo Ball’s $10 million salary. However, they plan to waive him shortly afterward.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: The Cavaliers aim to save money by moving Ball’s contract. Ball has struggled significantly this season, averaging only 4.6 points per game and shooting merely 30% from the field.
- Atlanta Hawks: The Hawks acquired Jock Landale to bolster their center position. This addition is crucial as the team currently deals with injuries to Kristaps Porzingis and Onyeka Okongwu.
Ball’s Career Challenges
Once the second overall pick in the NBA draft, Lonzo Ball’s career has been hampered by ongoing injuries. His lackluster performance in Cleveland raised questions about his future in the league. The decision to waive him comes as no surprise given his recent struggles.
Historical Context
This trade is reminiscent of previous Jazz dealings involving high-profile players like Russell Westbrook and Derrick Rose. Such trades often aimed at adjusting salary cap strategies rather than a genuine intent to retain the players involved.
Additional Transactions
Alongside the trade for Ball, the Jazz completed another minor transaction. They dealt the draft rights to Serbian center Balsa Koprivica to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for cash considerations. Koprivica, who was part of the Kris Dunn trade in 2024, currently plays for Bahcesehir Koleji in Turkey.
Overall, the Jazz’s recent moves reflect their strategic approach to managing the roster while navigating the complexities of the NBA trade landscape.
