The Cleveland Cavaliers recently traded Isaac Okoro to the Chicago Bulls and secured Lonzo Ball. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft has a great physicality and high basketball knowledge. Despite his repeated knee injuries that limited his time on the court, he rose with his playmaking.
Last season, Ball shot 36% from the field and 34% from three. He could complement Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell with his elite ball movement. Ball fits well with his offensive play to the Cavaliers’ core. In 2022, he hit a career high of 42% of his threes. With his steady presence, he can boost the second unit to stay sharp and competitive on the floor.
In his last full season, Ball averaged a career-high of 2.2 steals per 36 minutes. Defensively, he is excellent at fighting through screens. However, his ability to rebound from the guard position would enforce Cleveland’s depth, which is eagerly ready to lift the NBA title for the first time in 10 years.
Lonzo Ball fits with the Cavs so well, it may be TOO WELL.
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 29, 2025
Fans may be sad to see Ty Jerome potentially go, but Lonzo Ball seems to be a big upgrade WHEN HE'S HEALTHY.
🔹A good defender on the perimeter to pair with Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and DeAndre Hunter.
🔹A good… pic.twitter.com/75vbRLcrZn
Now it comes to his health. If the big man stays healthy, he could make a solid impact that the Cavaliers need on both ends of the court. His strong and effective presence can give the Cavaliers a real shot at making a deep playoff run.
Lonzo Ball Trade, Smart Move Or Downfall?
Ball has not played 50 games in a season since 2020-21. Meanwhile, Okoro was a reliable presence and a tough defender who stayed available. However, Okoro doesn’t have the same capacity for playmaking or ball movement.
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Ball has one year left on his contract, with a team option next. If he returns to form, the Cavaliers get a smart two-way all-arounder who raises their ceiling on both ends of the floor. But if it doesn’t go accordingly, it will cost a considerable amount with long-term effects.
Also Read: Lakers Could Consider Lonzo Ball Reunion Next Season Despite Load Management Concerns
