Lonzo Ball Trade Rumors: Will the Cavaliers Move the Guard Before the Deadline?
The Cleveland Cavaliers aren’t dominating the NBA as they did last season, leading to increased speculation ahead of the February 5th NBA trade deadline. One player who could be on the move, surprisingly, is Lonzo Ball, acquired before the current season with hopes of a successful recovery from a knee injury. Unfortunately, that hasn’t materialized.
Lonzo Ball’s Uneven Performance with the Cavaliers
Ball’s time in Cleveland has been marked by inconsistency, even resulting in a benching at one point. ESPN’s Bobby Marks highlights a concerning trend: “Ball averaged at least 22 minutes in the first three months of the season, but he has seen his minutes per game drop to 13.0 in January.” His shooting percentages are also raising eyebrows, currently at a career-low 31.2% from the field and 27.6% from beyond the arc.
While some argue the Cavaliers should remain patient, believing Ball could still find his rhythm with a team that mirrors his own struggles, ESPN’s analysis delves into the potential financial benefits of a trade.
Financial Implications of Trading Lonzo Ball
According to Marks, moving Ball’s $10 million salary this season could significantly reduce the Cavaliers’ luxury tax penalty, dropping it from $164 million to $102 million. Crucially, there’s no long-term financial commitment, as Ball has a $10 million team option for the 2026-27 season. This allows Cleveland the flexibility to wait until the offseason to make a final decision if they choose.
The Trade Deadline Landscape
The NBA trade deadline is always a period of intense activity, and the Cavaliers’ situation with Lonzo Ball adds another layer of intrigue. The team must weigh the potential for Ball to improve against the immediate financial relief a trade could provide. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Ball’s future in Cleveland.
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This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal.
