Why a Lonzo Ball Trade to the Wizards Could Be a Win-Win for Everyone Involved
The Cleveland Cavaliers may not fully understand why the Washington Wizards are interested in Lonzo Ball right now - especially given that he’s shooting just 26.9 percent from beyond the arc this season - but they’d be wise not to overthink it. If Washington’s willing to take on Ball’s $10 million salary, and all it costs Cleveland is a second-round pick or two, that’s a deal worth exploring.
According to reports, the Wizards are among the teams that have checked in on Ball’s availability. The idea is that Washington could be enticed to absorb his contract if the Cavaliers are willing to sweeten the pot with some draft capital.
And while giving up assets just to move a player might feel like a tough pill to swallow, this could actually open a door for Cleveland to make a more meaningful move ahead of the trade deadline on Feb. 5.
Let’s be clear - the basketball impact of losing Lonzo Ball right now would be minimal for the Cavs. He’s still trying to find his rhythm after a long injury layoff, and the production just hasn’t been there.
That’s not a knock on his potential; it’s just the reality of a player still working his way back into NBA form. Head coach Kenny Atkinson hasn’t shown much confidence in using him in the rotation, and the fan base has largely moved on.
That said, Ball’s struggles in Cleveland don’t necessarily mean he can’t still contribute elsewhere. In fact, Washington might be exactly the kind of situation he needs.
The Wizards are in a full rebuild, and that kind of low-pressure environment could give Lonzo the freedom to rediscover his game. He wouldn’t be expected to carry a team or play perfect basketball every night - just to get back to being himself.
From Cleveland’s perspective, the point guard position is in good hands. Darius Garland is the starter when healthy, and Craig Porter Jr. has shown he can hold things down in his absence.
If injuries hit again, Tyrese Proctor is waiting in the wings. Simply put, the Cavs don’t need Lonzo Ball in their current rotation, and his salary is more of a roadblock than a resource.
That’s the real motivation behind a potential deal. President of basketball operations Koby Altman is actively working the phones right now, reportedly exploring moves involving players like De’Andre Hunter.
But the Cavs are tight on cap space, and that’s limiting their flexibility. Trading Ball won’t get them under the second tax apron, but it could give them just enough breathing room to make a more impactful addition.
For Lonzo, this could be a career reset. He’s still just 26, and when healthy, he’s one of the more unique guards in the league - a high-IQ playmaker with size, defensive instincts, and a pass-first mentality.
In Washington, he’d have the opportunity to play through mistakes, find his rhythm, and maybe even become a long-term piece alongside someone like Trae Young, should the Wizards make a move for him down the road. Their skill sets could actually complement each other well - Young as the offensive engine, Ball as the defensive anchor and secondary playmaker.
The Cavs, meanwhile, are in win-now mode. They took a calculated risk that Lonzo could bounce back quickly and contribute to a playoff push, but that hasn’t panned out. That doesn’t mean Ball can’t still be a productive player - it just means his timeline no longer aligns with Cleveland’s.
Sometimes, the best trades are the ones where both sides walk away better off. This has the potential to be one of those deals.
Cleveland clears some cap flexibility and opens the door for a bigger move. Washington takes a low-risk flyer on a talented guard who could thrive in a new setting.
And Lonzo Ball? He finally gets a real chance to get back to being Lonzo Ball.