Cavaliers Facing Tough Decisions as Lonzo Ball Struggles to Find His Fit in Cleveland
When the Cleveland Cavaliers swung a deal for Lonzo Ball last offseason-sending Isaac Okoro to the Chicago Bulls-it looked, on paper, like a smart, forward-thinking move. Ball brought playmaking, perimeter defense, and the kind of basketball IQ that could complement Cleveland’s star-studded core. But halfway through the season, it’s clear the fit hasn’t materialized the way the Cavs had hoped.
Ball’s offensive struggles have been hard to ignore. In 30 appearances this season, he’s averaging just 4.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.
The bigger concern? His shooting has cratered.
He’s hitting only 30.4% from the field and just 27.1% from three-point range. For a team with championship aspirations and a tight offensive hierarchy, that kind of inefficiency is tough to work around.
It’s reached the point where Ball is now being floated as a trade candidate. And not just because of performance. There’s a financial side to this as well.
Cleveland is carrying the most expensive roster in the league-and they’re the only team currently above the second luxury tax apron. That’s a steep price to pay for a team sitting just sixth in the Eastern Conference standings.
Ball is making $10 million this season, with a team option for the same amount next year. Moving off that contract could provide some much-needed financial breathing room.
The Cavaliers didn’t expect to be in this position. After finishing last season with the best record in the East, the bar was raised.
But this year’s squad hasn’t played like a contender. The “Core 4” of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen hasn’t broken through the second round of the playoffs yet.
And if that doesn’t change this spring, ownership and the front office may be forced to make some hard choices.
That’s what makes the Ball situation more than just a midseason roster tweak-it could be the first domino in a much larger shakeup.
There’s no question Lonzo Ball has talent. He’s shown it in stretches throughout his career with the Lakers, Pelicans, and Bulls.
But this version of Ball in Cleveland just hasn’t clicked. The Cavs are under pressure to win now, and every roster spot-and every dollar-matters.
As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Cleveland. Whether it’s Ball or someone else, change could be coming. And if the Cavs fall short again in the postseason, this might just be the beginning.