Cavaliers Trade Lonzo Ball to Jazz for Salary Relief
The Cleveland Cavaliers have finalized a trade sending point guard Lonzo Ball to the Utah Jazz in exchange for salary relief. This deal was first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Details of the Trade
As part of the trade, Cleveland will relinquish their remaining second-round picks, as they no longer possess any available for future trades. Ball, who joined the Cavaliers last summer from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Isaac Okoro, will leave behind a tenure marked by disappointment.
Lonzo Ball’s Performance
- Ball struggled significantly during his time in Cleveland.
- He recorded a field goal percentage of 30.1% and a three-point shooting percentage of 27.2%.
- Despite maintaining relative health, his performance did not meet expectations.
- His effective field goal percentage ranked second-worst among wings, according to Cleaning the Glass.
Impact on the Cavaliers
Ball’s drop in the depth chart was highlighted when Craig Porter Jr. surpassed him for playing time. Recently, the Cavaliers further bolstered their roster by acquiring point guard Dennis Schroeder from the Sacramento Kings. Although Schroeder may not possess the same defensive skills or playmaking ability as Ball, he brings a shooting capability that benefits the team.
Additionally, Keon Ellis, also acquired from Sacramento, will help fill the defensive role that Ball was expected to cover. With Ball effectively serving as an expiring salary, his contract includes a team option of $10 million for the next season, which the Jazz are unlikely to exercise.
Strategic Advantages for the Cavaliers
This trade is a strategic move for Cleveland. It brings them closer to escaping the second apron, opens a standard roster spot for Nae’Qwan Tomlin, and enhances their flexibility for potential trades as the deadline approaches.
