Lonzo Ball Looks Forward to New Era with Cavaliers, Optimistic about Playoff Prospects After Bulls Trade

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) — For the first time in a couple of seasons, Lonzo Ball can focus on settling into a new team instead of spending his summer rehabilitating from a knee injury.

On Monday, the seasoned guard was present at the Cleveland Cavaliers’ practice facility, meeting with the medical team and coaches following his recent trade from the Chicago Bulls, where he was dealt for forward Isaac Okoro, a transaction finalized on Sunday.

Although the trade agreement between Chicago and Cleveland was made on June 28, it only became official with the commencement of the new league year on Sunday.

“I believe this is a fantastic situation for my style of play,” Ball shared. “Donovan Mitchell is among the top players in the league, and they have two agile big men who can effectively set pick-and-rolls and drive to the basket.

“Defensively, we can switch things up as well. I think we have the potential to implement a variety of strategies on both ends of the court, and having those options is wonderful.”

This past season, Ball played in 35 games, averaging 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, following two seasons missed due to issues with his left knee. The 27-year-old underwent a meniscus and cartilage transplant in March 2023 after two previous surgeries were unable to resolve an injury that first occurred during his initial season with the Bulls in 2021-22.

Toward the end of last season, he dealt with a right wrist sprain but was pleased with how his knee performed throughout the games.

“After the games, I wasn’t sure what to anticipate,” Ball reflected. “However, when I returned for that preseason game against Minnesota, I was pleasantly surprised by how well I was moving.

“I felt that I improved as the season progressed. Unfortunately, the wrist issue came up, but my knee was doing quite well.”

Ball, who was selected second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2017 NBA Draft, has one year left on his contract along with a team option for the 2026-27 season.

The Cavaliers were in need of a point guard after Ty Jerome signed with the Memphis Grizzlies, and starter Darius Garland is expected to be sidelined at the beginning of the regular season following surgery on his left big toe last month.

Last season, Cleveland boasted the NBA’s second-best record at 64-18 but was ousted in the Eastern Conference semifinals by the Indiana Pacers in five games.

Throughout his six-year career, Ball has yet to participate in a playoff game, a status he hopes to change.

“As the season starts in September or October, it’s important not to get ahead of ourselves,” Ball said. “But given that they were the top team in the East last year, everyone is aware of the stakes. It’s essentially about contending for a championship. My goal is to be as available as possible and put myself in the best position to finish the season strong.

“For now, I’m primarily focused on strength training to ensure my lower body is in optimal condition.”