Could Lonzo Ball Be the Jazz’s Next Low-Risk, High-Upside Defensive Fix?
Let’s call it like it is: the Utah Jazz defense has been a glaring weak spot this season. Even with Walker Kessler anchoring the paint, opponents are slicing through Utah’s perimeter like it’s rush hour at a revolving door.
The Jazz need help-badly-and they need it without mortgaging the future. That’s why it might be time to take a flyer on a name that once carried major weight: Lonzo Ball.
Yes, that Lonzo Ball. The former No. 2 overall pick who’s battled more injuries than most players see in a career.
But now, with the Cavaliers seemingly ready to move on, the opportunity is there. And for a team like Utah, that’s desperately searching for defensive stability on the perimeter, Ball could be exactly the kind of low-risk, potentially high-reward move that makes sense.
Why Lonzo Makes Sense for Utah
Ball’s name has resurfaced in trade chatter, with the Washington Wizards reportedly kicking the tires. They’re considering using their cap flexibility to absorb salary in exchange for draft compensation. If the Wizards are thinking that way, why not the Jazz?
Cleveland picked up Ball hoping he could fill a backup role and provide some of the steady two-way play they lost with Ty Jerome. That experiment hasn’t quite panned out.
But that doesn’t mean Ball’s done-it just means he might not be the right fit for the Cavs. In Utah, the expectations would be different.
He wouldn’t need to be a savior, just a stabilizer.
Think of him as a potential Kris Dunn 2.0. Someone who can defend at the point of attack, make smart passes, and keep the offense flowing without needing to dominate the ball.
The Jazz don’t need a star; they need someone who can help plug the holes in a leaky perimeter defense. Ball, even after everything, still checks a lot of those boxes.
The Risk Factor: Manageable and Flexible
Let’s be real-there’s no guarantee this would work. Ball’s injury history is well-documented, and even this season-his healthiest in years-he’s still missed 15 of Cleveland’s 50 games.
But here’s the key: his contract structure gives Utah flexibility. He’s on a team option for next season.
If things don’t click, the Jazz can walk away with no long-term cap hit. If he does pan out, they can explore a more team-friendly deal moving forward.
It’s not unlike the Jaden Springer experiment from a while back. Utah took a shot on a young, defensive-minded guard with offensive limitations.
It didn’t work out, and they moved on. No harm done.
That’s the kind of calculated risk you can afford to take when you’re building toward something bigger.
Would Utah Be Helping Cleveland?
That’s where things get a little tricky. The Cavaliers are currently operating above the NBA’s second tax apron and would love to shed salary.
Moving Ball in a salary dump would help them do just that. But if they’re talking to Utah, they’re not going to just give him away.
They may ask for something in return-maybe a veteran like Kyle Anderson, or even a reunion with Georges Niang.
There’s some history here. The Cavs and Jazz have worked together before, most notably in the Donovan Mitchell deal. So there’s familiarity, but that doesn’t mean Utah should be in the business of bailing Cleveland out unless the price is right.
So What’s the Verdict?
This is the kind of move that makes sense on paper and carries minimal downside. Ball’s not the same player he was when he entered the league, but he still brings value-especially on the defensive end, where the Jazz are in desperate need of help.
He won’t be asked to carry the offense. He won’t be asked to play 35 minutes a night.
He’ll be asked to defend, move the ball, and give Utah’s rotation a little more balance.
And if it doesn’t work? No big deal.
The Jazz aren’t giving up core pieces or future assets to make this happen. But if it does work-even in a limited role-it could be the kind of under-the-radar move that helps stabilize a team still figuring out its identity.
Lonzo Ball might not be the long-term answer. But right now, he could be the right short-term solution.