Entering a rebuild in 2025-2026, the Chicago Bulls offloaded many veterans. Lonzo Ball ended up being one of them last July.
Before reaching the start of the season, the Bulls basically did right by Lonzo, trading him to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Despite extending Ball by two years, worth $20.0 million, the Bulls made sure Ball got a new contract, while putting him in a situation to play for a contender.
Ball was confident that he could help contribute to a high-level winning season for the Cavs. However, they cut ties with him back in February.
Ex-Bulls $20 Million Guard Makes Strong Cavaliers Claim
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 17: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Chicago Bulls in action against the Charlotte Hornets at the United Center on January 17, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
The Cavaliers clearly felt like Ball wouldn’t be helpful throughout their postseason run. The team made some major changes to the backcourt at the trade deadline.
Cleveland swapped out Darius Garland for James Harden. They also added Dennis Schroder from the Sacramento Kings.
Ball’s Cavaliers run ended after 35 games. Although the Cavaliers made it to the Eastern Conference Finals this year, they were swept by the New York Knicks.
“If you were trying to win a championship, I don’t think that was the path that you should’ve took,” Ball said on the Ball In The Family podcast.
“If you ask me, I think we would’ve went further. But that’s just me. I’m always going to bet on myself.”
Ball noted that it’s incredibly rare for teams to make big swings in the trade market during the season and maintain positive chemistry.
“It’s hard to do,” he said. “…It’s hard to win when you don’t have identity.”
Darius Garland agreed.
Lonzo Ball’s Run With The Bulls And The Cavaliers
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 26: Guard Lonzo Ball #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers brings the ball up court during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Arena on October 26, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Bucks 118-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The Bulls acquired Ball in 2021. He was thriving during his first season with the team, but a knee injury ended his first year in Chicago prematurely.
Ball would miss two seasons in a row. He returned during the 2024-2025 NBA season. He played in 35 games. Seeing the court for 22.2 minutes per game, Ball shot 36.6% from the field, producing 7.6 points per game.
When he got to Cleveland in exchange for Isaac Okoro, Ball appeared in 35 games. He knocked down 27.2% of his shots from three and produced 4.6 points per game.
Along with his scoring, Ball averaged 3.9 assists and 4.0 rebounds.
On February 5, the Cavs traded Ball to the Utah Jazz. He was cut the next day. Ball finished the 2025-2026 season without another appearance. He will be a free agent in July, getting an opportunity to talk with any interested suitors.