The Cleveland Cavaliers have quietly turned a corner. After a rocky start to the season, they’ve found their rhythm, winning seven of their last ten games and climbing back into the Eastern Conference mix. But while the team’s recent surge has brought stability on the court, the front office is still working the phones ahead of the 2025 NBA Trade Deadline.
One name that’s surfaced in trade talks: Lonzo Ball.
While the Cavs have made it clear that Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen aren’t going anywhere, they’ve left the door open on Ball. According to league insiders, Cleveland is actively exploring trade options for the veteran guard, and the Washington Wizards have emerged as a team showing real interest.
The Wizards, deep in a rebuild and sitting on nearly $30 million in luxury tax room and trade exceptions, are reportedly open to taking on salary if it comes with draft compensation. That flexibility makes them a natural trade partner for teams like Cleveland, who are looking to shed contracts and stay below the second tax apron.
Ball, who arrived in Cleveland this past June via trade from the Chicago Bulls, has struggled to find his footing this season. He’s averaging career lows across the board - 4.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per game - while shooting just 29.9% from the field and 26.9% from three. His minutes have also dipped, down to 20.9 per game.
But it’s not all bad news. After years of battling injuries, Ball has already appeared in 34 games this season - more than halfway to the 63-game mark, which has been his ceiling in any season since 2020-21 with the Pelicans. That’s a positive sign for teams weighing the risk of bringing him in.
And there may be more movement coming. The Cavaliers just completed a three-team deal that sent De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings and brought in Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis.
The addition of two more guards only increases the likelihood that Ball could be on the move soon. With a $10 million expiring deal and a team option for 2026-27, Ball’s contract is manageable, and league chatter suggests the asking price could be as low as a second-round pick.
For Cleveland, it’s about cap flexibility and roster fit. For Washington, it’s a low-risk shot at a former No. 2 overall pick who still has the tools to contribute - especially on a team that can afford to give him minutes and a longer leash.
If Ball does land in D.C., it would be his fifth NBA stop. And while his offensive production has dipped, he’s still a capable playmaker and perimeter defender. On a rebuilding roster like the Wizards, that could be enough to earn him a fresh start and a bigger role.
With the trade deadline approaching, this is one situation worth keeping an eye on.