The Cleveland Cavaliers made a move that speaks volumes about their current direction-and it doesn’t include Lonzo Ball. With the acquisition of Dennis Schroder, Cleveland has effectively shut the door on Ball’s future with the team. Add in the presence of Keon Ellis, a promising 3-and-D option off the bench, and the writing’s on the wall: Ball is the odd man out.
This isn’t just a basketball decision-it’s a financial one, too. Ball’s contract weighs heavily on the Cavs’ books, and with the second tax apron looming large, moving him could be a key step toward financial flexibility.
The Schroder trade only amplifies the urgency. Cleveland now has both a veteran playmaker in Schroder and a defensive-minded guard in Ellis, making Ball’s skill set-primarily his passing-redundant.
Enter the Utah Jazz.
Utah’s defense has been a problem all season, and they’re in the market for players who can help clean that up. Ball, despite his offensive limitations, still brings a high IQ and solid perimeter defense when healthy.
The Jazz have taken chances on players before, especially when there’s upside and a chance to buy low. Ball fits that mold.
And with an eye toward turning things around next season, Utah could be motivated to act.
So what might a trade look like?
For Cleveland, the ideal scenario is simple: move Ball, get under the second apron, and bring back a player who can contribute now. That’s where things get tricky.
Under the NBA’s new CBA rules, teams above the second apron-like the Cavs-are extremely limited in how they can operate. They can’t take back more salary than they send out, and they can’t combine contracts in trades unless it helps them get below the apron.
That narrows the options, but not entirely.
Utah has a couple of wings who could interest Cleveland and earn less than Ball: Georges Niang, a former Cavalier who could space the floor, and Kyle Anderson, a versatile defender and playmaker. Either of those players would be a fit, both on the court and on the salary sheet.
But here’s the catch-Utah would be doing Cleveland a favor by taking on Ball’s contract, and they’re not going to do that out of generosity. They’d want something in return.
Think draft capital.
Cleveland does have some picks that could appeal to the Jazz, and that’s where this potential deal gets interesting. If the Cavs are serious about shedding salary and adding a useful piece, they might need to sweeten the pot.
There’s also the possibility that Cleveland simply waits. They could ride out the season and part ways with Ball in the offseason, opting out of his deal and clearing cap space without giving up assets. But if they want to act now-and the Schroder trade suggests they do-then Utah presents a logical trade partner.
Bottom line: the Cavaliers have every reason to move Ball, and the Jazz have every reason to listen. It all comes down to how motivated Cleveland is to make a deal happen-and how much they’re willing to pay to do it.