Ball’s Bulls career at an end as point guard traded to Eastern Conference rivals
Lonzo Ball is set to join the fourth team of his NBA career, after it was reported that the Chicago Bulls have traded the 27-year-old.
Lonzo Ball’s time with the Chicago Bulls has come to an end after four injury-riddled seasons in which he appeared in just 70 games.
According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, the Bulls have traded the 27-year-old point guard to the Cleveland Cavaliers, in exchange for small forward Isaac Okoro.
The deal is a straight player-for-player swap, with salaries nearly identical. Ball is set to earn $10 million in 2025–26, with a team option for the same amount the following season. Okoro, meanwhile, is under contract for $11 million and $11.8 million over the next two years.
BREAKING: The Chicago Bulls are trading Lonzo Ball to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Isaac Okoro, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/W0FTrRhe7y
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 28, 2025
No. 2 Draft pick plagued by injuries
Cleveland becomes Ball’s fourth NBA team since being selected second overall in the 2017 Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.
After a standout collegiate season at UCLA, Ball was seen as a franchise cornerstone in L.A., but was later dealt to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of the blockbuster trade that brought Anthony Davis to the Lakers.
The Pelicans then moved Ball to Chicago in a sign-and-trade deal that included Tomas Satoransky, Garrett Temple, a 2024 second-round pick, and cash considerations.
Ball joined the Bulls ahead of the 2021–22 season, but his tenure was derailed by a series of devastating knee injuries. He tore his meniscus in January 2022 and underwent arthroscopic surgery later that year.
The injury proved more severe than initially expected, ultimately requiring a cartilage and meniscus transplant in March 2023. In his limited time with Chicago, Ball averaged 10.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.
What will Ball’s role be at the Cavs?
With Darius Garland entrenched as the Cavaliers’ starting point guard, Ball is expected to slot in as a backup - probably replacing Ty Jerome, who may depart in free agency. Ball’s role will likely focus on defending opposing ball handlers and spacing the floor with his improved three-point shooting.
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment