Cavs salary dump Lonzo Ball to Jazz
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ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 24: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers goes up for a shot against the Orlando Magic during the fourth quarter at Kia Center on January 24, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly trading point guard Lonzo Ball to the Utah Jazz, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Cleveland will be parting with their two remaining second-round picks to complete the deal. They have no more left available to trade.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to trade Lonzo Ball and two second-round picks to the Utah Jazz, sources tell ESPN. Ball's agent Rich Paul and the Jazz are expected to discuss his future soon. pic.twitter.com/qrNtC6tlc7

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 4, 2026

Ball was acquired this past summer from the Chicago Bulls for Isaac Okoro, a move that has not hit its intended target on Cleveland’s roster.

Ball’s short tenure in the wine and gold will be largely remembered as a disappointment. Despite actually managing to stay relatively healthy, the on-court product was far from expected. He shot exceedingly poorly, 30.1% from the floor and 27.2% from three-point territory, while not being able to make the defensive, playmaking, and rebounding gains make up for it. Ball’s effective field goal percentage is the second-worst in the league for wings per Cleaning the Glass.

As if the writing was not already on the wall when Craig Porter Jr. passed Ball on the depth chart months ago, the Cavs recently acquired point guard Dennis Schroeder from the Sacramento Kings. While not as defensive or playmaking-savvy as Ball, Schroeder can shoot the basketball, get an offense situated, and play off the ball next to either Donovan Mitchell or James Harden. Keon Ellis, whom the Cavs also acquired from the Kings, will slot in as the best backcourt defender as well — filling a role Ball was expected to occupy.

For those wondering how Ball was seen as a somewhat positive asset, that can be explained by his contract. Ball is effectively an expiring salary, as his $10 million due next season is a team option that will almost certainly not be picked up by the Jazz.



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