The Cleveland Cavaliers may have to trade Lonzo Ball.
The Cleveland Cavaliers traded Isaac Okoro to the Chicago Bulls last offseason for Lonzo Ball in a move many people around the NBA applauded.
However, Ball has not played well for Cleveland and he's already been identified as a trade candidate by Sam Vecenie of The Athletic.
"The Ball acquisition over the summer for Isaac Okoro just hasn't worked out, as Ball's shooting has completely fallen off a cliff in Cleveland," Vecenie wrote. "It's been hard to have him on the court offensively as he shoots just 30 percent from the field and 27 percent from 3. Trading Ball would save Cleveland an immense amount of money if the team can find a taker, as the team is well into the luxury tax."
The Cavaliers have the most expensive roster in the NBA and they are the only team above the second-apron. They might as well trade Ball to lower their payroll.
Ball has appeared in 30 games this season. He's averaging 4.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 30.4% from the field, 27.1% from beyond the arc and 70.0% from the free-throw line.
Ball is making $10 million this season. He has a team option worth $10 million for next season. The guard has played for the Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, Bulls and Cavaliers. He holds career averages of 10.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game.
After having the top record in the East last season, the Cavaliers haven't played like a title contender this season. They are only in sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Cleveland hasn't advanced past the second round of the playoffs with Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen leading the way. If that doesn't change this season, Dan Gilbert and Koby Altman could break up the "Core 4" this offseason.
With that said, the Cavaliers are under immense pressure to go on a deep run in the 2026 playoffs.
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