NBA: Cavaliers Trade Isaac Okoro To Bulls for Lonzo Ball in Blockbuster Deal
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The Cleveland Cavaliers will acquire guard Lonzo Ball from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for forward Isaac.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have reached an agreement to acquire guard Lonzo Ball from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for forward Isaac Okoro, according to a person familiar with the deal.
The individual spoke on the condition of anonymity Saturday, as the trade cannot be officially completed until the start of the new league year on July 6.
Ball Returns After Lengthy Injury Layoff
Ball, 27, appeared in 35 games last season, averaging 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. He returned to action after missing two full seasons (2022–23 and 2023–24) due to a serious left knee injury.
Originally hurt during his first season with the Bulls in 2021–22, Ball underwent multiple procedures, including a meniscus repair and a rare cartilage transplant surgery in March 2023. Though he made a comeback last season, he missed the final two months with a sprained right wrist.
A former No. 2 overall draft pick by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017, Ball has one year remaining on his current contract, along with a team option for the 2026–27 season.
The trade comes as Cleveland faces uncertainty at the point guard position. Ty Jerome is set to become an unrestricted free agent, while All-Star Darius Garland is expected to miss the start of the 2025–26 season following surgery on his left big toe earlier this month.
Ball's addition offers Cleveland a potential starter or key rotation piece as the team looks to maintain its competitive edge. The Cavaliers finished with the NBA's second-best record at 64–18 but fell short in the Eastern Conference semifinals, losing in five games to the Indiana Pacers.
Heading to Chicago in the deal is Isaac Okoro, a versatile wing known for his perimeter defense and improved outside shooting. The 23-year-old averaged 6.1 points and 2.4 rebounds during the regular season but saw his role diminish as the year progressed. He played 14.2 minutes per game in the playoffs, down from 19.1 in the regular season.
Okoro, a former top-five pick, has two years remaining on his current contract. The Bulls will look to integrate him into their rotation as they continue to retool their roster.
(with AP inputs)
First Published:
June 29, 2025, 08:33 IST
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