Lonzo Ball Drawing Interest
However, NBA Insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer said that Ball is the Cavaliers’ primary trade candidate. Ball, who has a $10 million cap hit this year and a $10 million team option for next year, is having the worst season of his career. Still, Washington, Utah, Brooklyn, and Charlotte have been checking on the 28-year-old.
“Sources say there has been some preliminary conversation between the Cavaliers and Hornets about Ball trade constructions that could furnish Charlotte with second-round draft capital and thus enable the Hornets to pair the elder Ball with his younger brother LaMelo,” Stein and Fischer said. “Charlotte, Brooklyn, and Utah, according to league sources, are all teams that have been looking to facilitate multi-team trades or take on unwanted salary in exchange for draft pick compensation.”
Trading Ball would bring Cleveland within a little more than $3 million of the second apron. Meanwhile, if the Cavs could move Strus to one of those four teams. The Jazz are probably out now after acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr.
Strus has a cap hit of $15.9 million and is under contract for $16.6 million next. He has yet to play this season due to a foot injury, though he is expected to return sometime this month.
“Strus’ days with the Cavs appear to be numbered after the team acquired Ellis and Schroder, and if he isn’t dealt before Thursday’s deadline,” Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints said recently.”He will be a prime trade candidate in the offseason, entering the final year of his contract,” Siegel wrote. “…The team has been discussing the idea of trading him with a few [unnamed] teams before Thursday.”
Final Word
Finding a landing spot for Ball seems to be the Cavaliers’ most logical next move. I don’t see a fit for Harden with Cleveland due to his salary, age, and wanting an extension. Similarly, Giannis Antetokounmpo is a long shot. However, the Cavs probably could put together one of the most realistic packages if they are willing to move either Mitchell or Evan Mobley. Acquiring Donovan Sabonis also doesn’t make sense.
