The Cleveland Cavaliers took a calculated swing this past offseason by bringing in Lonzo Ball, hoping the 28-year-old guard could rediscover his rhythm and provide a spark in their backcourt. But after a rocky stretch that failed to deliver the impact Cleveland had envisioned, the team pivoted-and fast.
Now, Ball is headed to the Utah Jazz, but not for long. According to reports, the Jazz plan to waive Ball shortly after the trade, making him a free agent. The deal also includes Cleveland sending out future draft picks in 2028 and 2032, which signals just how motivated the Cavs were to move off Ball’s contract.
And that’s really what this move is about: financial flexibility. By shedding Ball’s $10 million salary, the Cavaliers drop below the NBA’s second apron-a key cap threshold that has major implications for roster-building under the league’s new collective bargaining agreement. Avoiding that second apron opens the door for Cleveland to be more nimble in free agency and in trades, giving them a better shot at reshaping the roster around their core.
But for Ball, the outlook is far less optimistic. Once seen as a high-IQ floor general with elite vision and defensive upside, his recent play has painted a different picture. In the 2025-26 season, Ball averaged just 4.6 points, 4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game-numbers that fall well short of expectations for a player who once looked like a franchise cornerstone.
The struggles were especially glaring in moments like Cleveland’s January loss to the Detroit Pistons, where Ball failed to score in 22 minutes of action. That performance drew sharp criticism from former NBA guard Jeff Teague, who didn’t hold back during a podcast appearance.
“I love buckets, and I like Lonzo as a person. He funny dude, cool, good family.
But he can’t hoop no more. It’s over,” Teague said.
“Boy he had 0 playing 22 minutes. I swear to god I could do better than that right now.”
It was a harsh assessment, but it echoed a growing sentiment around the league: Lonzo Ball just hasn’t looked like himself. Whether it’s lingering effects from injuries or a loss of confidence, the version of Ball we’ve seen recently is a far cry from the two-way playmaker who once orchestrated offenses with flair and locked down opposing guards on the other end.
Now, with Utah expected to waive him, Ball enters free agency with serious questions hanging over his future. Can he get healthy?
Can he rediscover his game? Is there still a role for him in today’s NBA?
For the Cavaliers, this move clears the books and creates a bit more breathing room as they look ahead. For Ball, it’s another chapter in a career that’s been defined as much by “what could’ve been” as by what actually was.
The next few months will be telling.