Cavaliers Acquire Lonzo Ball, Trade Okoro to Bulls in Key Roster Shift

The Cleveland Cavaliers have traded Isaac Okoro to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Lonzo Ball, a move widely seen as a win for Cleveland and puzzling for Chicago. Ball, who has two years remaining on a $20 million contract, offers the Cavaliers a reliable backup guard option behind All-Star Darius Garland and adds valuable depth and contract flexibility. Despite a knee injury that sidelined him for two seasons, Ball returned to average 7.6 points, 3.3 assists, and 3.4 rebounds in 35 games last season. Meanwhile, Okoro, once a promising starter, has struggled recently, averaging a career-low 6.1 points and seeing reduced playing time, raising questions about the Bulls' decision to accept him in the trade. Analysts criticize Chicago for missing an opportunity to acquire a more valuable asset, suggesting the trade reflects a potential misstep in their rebuilding strategy. The Cavaliers aim to leverage Ball's experience while the Bulls face scrutiny over their roster moves and future competitiveness in the Eastern Conference.