According to recent reports, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls have reached an agreement on a trade. The deal sends point guard Lonzo Ball to Cleveland, while the Bulls receive forward Isaac Okoro.
Coming off another disappointing early exit in the postseason, the Cavaliers entered the offseason facing potential significant roster changes. However, with key injuries affecting rivals in the Eastern Conference, Cleveland may consider another run with their current core. Nevertheless, adjustments were necessary to improve their readiness for the playoffs.
For a team that has struggled with depth in recent playoff appearances, prioritizing veterans capable of two-way play and reliable rotation minutes was crucial this summer. This trade addresses that need by bringing in Ball as a quality backup point guard. This was a clear weakness exposed in their last playoff run after Darius Garland`s injury impacted the offense. Ball is expected to provide additional ball-handling and playmaking behind Garland.
Lonzo Ball recently returned to action after a lengthy two-year absence caused by a knee injury and subsequent complications. In 35 games for the Bulls, he averaged 7.6 points, 3.3 assists, and 3.4 rebounds, with shooting percentages of 36.6% from the field, 34.5% from three-point range, and 81.5% from the free-throw line. Ball has two years and $20 million remaining on his contract, but the final year is a team option, providing Cleveland with potential financial flexibility next summer depending on his performance and health.
Isaac Okoro reportedly became less essential for the Cavaliers following their acquisition of De`Andre Hunter at the trade deadline in February, leading to this swap for the veteran guard. The Bulls acquire Okoro, a former top-5 draft pick known for his defensive abilities on the wing, as they continue building for the future. Okoro`s role decreased last season in Cleveland, where he averaged 6.1 points per game on 46.4/37.1/71.7 shooting splits. He also has two years remaining on his current contract.
Questions linger regarding the Bulls` strategy in this trade. Some reports suggested Chicago could have potentially received a future first-round pick for Ball at the trade deadline. This transaction marks the second consecutive offseason where the Bulls have traded a valuable veteran player for a former high draft pick without securing additional future assets, leading to skepticism about their front office decisions.
Drawing parallels to the Alex Caruso-for-Josh Giddey trade, which significantly contributed to the Oklahoma City Thunder`s championship run this year, the Cavaliers are hopeful that adding Ball for Okoro – who was not a consistent part of their playoff rotation – can similarly boost their success in the upcoming season.
Jasper Hawthorne