The Cleveland Cavaliers are continuing their roster overhaul ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline, sending guard Lonzo Ball and two second-round picks to the Utah Jazz. According to reports, the Jazz are expected to waive Ball, making him a free agent and giving him a chance to reset his career elsewhere.
It’s the latest move in what’s become a whirlwind week for Cleveland’s front office. Just a day ago, the Cavs made headlines by breaking up their "Core Four," shipping All-Star guard Darius Garland and a second-rounder to the Clippers in exchange for James Harden.
That deal alone signaled a dramatic shift in direction, but Cleveland wasn’t done. Earlier this week, they also brought in Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder from the Kings in a three-team swap that sent De’Andre Hunter to Sacramento.
Now, moving Ball is less about on-court fit and more about financial flexibility. His contract-worth around $10 million-was a key piece in helping the Cavs get closer to dipping under the NBA’s second tax apron.
After the trade, they’re reportedly just $3.8 million away from clearing that threshold. Why does that matter?
Because being under the second apron gives them more freedom to maneuver, especially when it comes to making additional trades without needing to loop in a third team. With the trade deadline looming at 3 p.m.
Thursday, that kind of flexibility could prove crucial.
As for Ball, it’s been a tough few years. After being taken No. 2 overall in the 2017 draft by the Lakers, he’s had stints in New Orleans and Chicago before landing in Cleveland this past summer.
Injuries have limited his impact in recent seasons, but when healthy, he’s been a versatile guard with the ability to facilitate, rebound, and defend. Over 252 career games (239 starts), he’s averaged 10.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 6.4 assists in just over 32 minutes per game.
If he clears waivers, Ball will become an unrestricted free agent-an intriguing option for teams willing to bet on his upside and hope he can stay on the floor. For the Cavs, meanwhile, the focus is clearly on reshaping the roster and creating room to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference. With multiple moves already in the books and financial breathing room nearly secured, don’t be surprised if Cleveland has one more swing left before the buzzer sounds on deadline day.