The Cleveland Cavaliers have made the decision to trade Lonzo Ball just 24 hours before the NBA trade deadline. The Cavs made the decision to trade Ball and two second-round picks to a Western Conference side in order to free up salary cap space.
This comes after the Cavs made a blockbuster trade earlier this week, striking a deal with the LA Clippers on Tuesday. Both teams decided to swap point guards, with Darius Garland being exchanged for James Harden in a deal that also sent a 2026 second-round pick to the Clippers.
 Cavaliers Trade Lonzo Ball, Draft Capital to Western Conference Team
Following a recent report from ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Cavaliers announced they would trade Lonzo Ball to the Utah Jazz. As well as trading Ball, two second-round picks were also sent to the Jazz in the deal.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to trade Lonzo Ball and two second-round picks to the Utah Jazz, sources tell ESPN. Ball’s agent Rich Paul and the Jazz are expected to discuss his future soon. pic.twitter.com/qrNtC6tlc7
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 4, 2026
“The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to trade Lonzo Ball and two second-round picks to the Utah Jazz, sources tell ESPN. Ball’s agent, Rich Paul, and the Jazz are expected to discuss his future soon.” Charania revealed in his report.
This season, after joining the Chicago Bulls, Ball has averaged 4.6 points and 4 rebounds. However, the Jazz are also expected to waive the veteran guard and allow him to become a free agent, according to reports from ESPN.
As well as acquiring Ball from Cleveland, despite the likely outcome that he becomes a free agent, the Jazz also traded center Jock Landale for cash considerations. Following the three-team deal, the Jazz acquired two second-round picks, while the Cavaliers acquired salary and tax savings.
“Ball became expendable in Cleveland after the Cavs landed guards James Harden and Dennis Schroder in separate trades over the past week. Cleveland sheds significant salary and gains tax savings by parting with Ball, who will now be able to test free agency.” ESPN shared in its report.
Essentially a three-team trade that allows Jazz to pick up two seconds, the Hawks to land a productive center in Landale and the Cavaliers to shed significant salary and tax savings while bringing in James Harden, Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder to fortify the roster this week. https://t.co/Jed7L9sNr6
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 4, 2026
Earlier on, it was reported by NBA insider Jake Fischer that the Cavs were attempting to offload Lonzo Ball in order to save 10$ million in salary. Following this deal, they could potentially be expected to make further moves ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
One player that they may be trying to land is Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas. The guard will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. He is currently playing on a $5.9 million qualifying offer this season. Averaging 15.6 PPG, the Nets guard has struggled with injury issues, playing in 24 of the team’s 49 games.
It was reported by NBA insider Michael Scotto that the Cavaliers and the Milwaukee Bucks were two of the teams interested in Thomas. However, after managing to offload Ball, the Cavaliers could potentially make a move for the Nets guard ahead of the trade deadline.
