CLEVELAND – Cleveland Cavaliers made waves before free agency by completing the Lonzo Ball trade with the Chicago Bulls. Cleveland landed Lonzo while sending Isaac Okoro to Chicago. This rare swap between division rivals happened just days after the NBA Draft ended. The deal reveals how both teams plan to shape their futures this summer.
Grade The Trade: Lonzo Ball To The Cavaliers
Cleveland dominated the regular season with a 64-18 record but fell short in the playoffs. Now, the Lonzo Ball trade gives the Cavaliers guard depth and insurance for Ty Jerome’s uncertain future. Ball’s contract runs two more years for $20 million, with a flexible team option after this season. If Ball performs well, the Cavaliers keep him. If not, they can move on.
Managing Lonzo’s Risk
This trade comes with one big risk — Ball’s health. He missed two full seasons due to knee injuries and played only 35 games last year before hurting his wrist. Cleveland knows they must watch his minutes carefully. He averaged 22 minutes per game last season and skipped back-to-backs. That plan stays.
Even so, Ball adds skills Cleveland lacked. His defense and transition play are elite. The Cavs ranked 19th in fast-break points last season, despite having the league’s top-rated offense. Ball’s vision and pace will add a new spark.
Jerome filled a similar role last season and nearly won Sixth Man of the Year. But his free agency and price tag made keeping him tricky. TheLonzo Ball Trade now fills that possible hole for the Cavaliers for less money.
Why Okoro Had to Go
Sending Okoro to Chicago cost Cleveland a strong wing defender. He guarded tough matchups all season. But his weak shooting hurt the Cavs’ spacing every postseason. Opponents dared him to shoot. Moving him opens space and cash.
Ball costs less than Okoro. His salary is cheaper this year and not guaranteed later. Okoro’s deal locks in $11.8 million. The trade helps Cleveland stay under the second apron while keeping a tight championship window alive.
Grade for Cleveland
This deal makes sense for Cleveland. It saves money, covers guard depth, and fits their title goals. They lose defense on the wing but gain defense at guard. Ball’s health is the only red flag.
Grade: A-
Bulls Bet on a Project
For the Bulls, trading Lonzo looks weak. Chicago traded an expiring contract for Okoro, who needs a fresh start. They extended Ball when they could have traded him for more value last year. Now they get only a young wing back — no picks attached.
Okoro’s defense fits Chicago’s need. The Bulls ranked low in half-court defense last year. But he still struggles on offense. His shooting remains inconsistent, and he doesn’t create shots himself. That will shrink the Bulls’ spacing.
Same Old Bulls?
This move mirrors past Bulls mistakes. They traded Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey — a puzzling swap that helped OKC more than Chicago. Now they repeat that pattern. They bet on potential instead of proven value.
Okoro could become Chicago’s next Nesmith — a player who failed early but thrived later. But Nesmith always showed more shooting promise than Okoro. The Bulls can hope for the best, but the risk is clear.
Grade for Chicago
Chicago needed to add picks or more talent here. Okoro helps their defense, but clogs their offense. They bet on a fix that may not come.
Grade: D+
The Cavaliers Fleece The Bulls in the Lonzo Ball Trade
In this swap, Cleveland shows it knows how to win now. They took a smart gamble with clear upside. Chicago, meanwhile, swapped a useful piece for another question mark — a sign of a team stuck in neutral.
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