Cavaliers Trade Lonzo Ball to Jazz, Expected to Be Waived

Several teams reportedly interested in acquiring the veteran point guard after Jazz waive him.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 6:23pm

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The Cleveland Cavaliers have traded veteran point guard Lonzo Ball to the Utah Jazz, but the Jazz are planning to waive Ball shortly after the deal. Ball has struggled with injuries throughout his NBA career, and the Cavaliers are looking to create roster flexibility by unloading his $10 million salary.

Why it matters

The trade is viewed as a salary dump by the Cavaliers, who are looking to get below the second apron and save on payroll. Ball's departure also signals a shift in the Cavaliers' roster composition, as the recent additions of Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis made Ball expendable.

The details

The Cavaliers traded Ball to the Jazz on Wednesday in exchange for two second-round picks. However, the Jazz are expected to waive Ball shortly after the deal, as several teams, including the Wizards and Hornets, are reportedly interested in acquiring the veteran point guard.

  • The Cavaliers traded Ball to the Jazz on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

The players

Lonzo Ball

A veteran point guard who has struggled with injuries throughout his NBA career, including severe knee issues that cost him two seasons while with the Chicago Bulls.

Cleveland Cavaliers

An NBA team that traded Lonzo Ball to the Utah Jazz in a move viewed as a salary dump, as they look to create roster flexibility and get below the second apron.

Utah Jazz

An NBA team that acquired Lonzo Ball from the Cavaliers but are expected to waive him shortly after the trade.

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What’s next

The Jazz are expected to waive Lonzo Ball after acquiring him from the Cavaliers, allowing other teams to potentially sign him.

The takeaway

This trade highlights the Cavaliers' desire to create roster flexibility and save on payroll, even if it means parting ways with a veteran player like Lonzo Ball. The move also underscores Ball's ongoing injury struggles and the uncertainty surrounding his NBA future.