A shocking trade shook up the NBA world on Saturday morning. ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported the Chicago Bulls traded Point Guard Lonzo Ball to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Small Forward Isaac Okoro.
Ball, following a prolonged absence returned to the court in October 2021. His return was a short-lived one as a sprained right wrist cut his season short. Okoro played a supporting role on a Cleveland Cavaliers team that earned the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference during the regular season. How will this deal work out for both sides?
Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers Outlook
Chicago has a talented roster on paper but is mired in mediocrity. They are mainstays in the NBA Play-In Tournament. It is unclear how Okoro’s presence will help the team break out of its rut. He will play alongside some solid veterans including Josh Giddey, Coby White, and Nikola Vucevic next season.
Ball will go from a mediocre team to one with championship aspirations. Especially with the rash of injuries in the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers have a path to success. They are the favorites to represent the conference in the NBA Finals. Ball will presumably be a starter to begin the year on a loaded Cavaliers roster. He will be the primary point guard until Darius Garland returns from his toe injury sometime next season. Ball will share the court with Donovan Mitchell and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley.
Final Thoughts
This is a shrewd move by the Cleveland Cavaliers. It gives them security at the point guard position until Garland is healthy enough to return. As for the Bulls, this move does not move the needle for them. Even with Okoro on the roster, a spot in the play-in is plausible.
