Cavaliers Acquire Lonzo Ball from Bulls in Player Swap

The Chicago Bulls traded guard Lonzo Ball to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a one-for-one deal exchanging Ball for wing Isaac Okoro, aiming to adjust their roster balance and address positional needs. Ball, who has battled long-term knee injuries but showed promising health and play last season, provides the Cavaliers with depth and insurance ahead of free agency, particularly as they may lose guard Ty Jerome. Meanwhile, the Bulls acquire Okoro, a defense-oriented wing whose playing time had diminished in Cleveland, to bolster their wing rotation amid a guard-heavy roster and plans to re-sign Josh Giddey. The trade reflects the Bulls' ongoing roster overhaul as they move away from veteran players like DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, a process criticized for being delayed, resulting in diminished trade returns. Cleveland takes a calculated risk on Ball's health and potential impact, hoping he can stabilize inconsistent performances by Darius Garland. Both teams are navigating strategic roster adjustments, with the Bulls focusing on youth development and positional balance, while the Cavaliers aim to maintain competitiveness in a tough division.