Lonzo Ball’s tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers appears to be facing significant challenges just months after his arrival. Initially viewed as a valuable acquisition to provide depth at the point guard position when Darius Garland needed rest, Ball’s performance has not met expectations. Despite maintaining his health—a primary concern given his injury history—his shooting numbers have plummeted, making for one of the worst seasons in recent memory for the player.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Ball’s production has been inconsistent, and his court time has dwindled to an average of just 13 minutes per game in January, a stark decrease from the 22 minutes he averaged earlier in the season. Currently, Ball is struggling with a career-low shooting percentage of 31.2% from the field and 27.6% from three-point range.
With these performance issues, the Cavaliers find themselves in a position where trading Ball may be beneficial. Transitioning his $10 million salary could significantly reduce Cleveland’s luxury tax penalty from $164 million to $102 million. However, with no financial obligations beyond this season—given Ball’s $10 million team option for 2026-27—Cleveland could choose to make a decision during the offseason.
Additionally, the emergence of Craig Porter Jr. as a competent backup for Garland has provided the Cavaliers with more flexibility regarding their roster. As the situation unfolds, it seems likely that Ball’s time in Cleveland may be coming to an end, a development that not only could aid the team’s financial stance but also pave the way for a potential reshaping of their lineup.
This transformation could serve as an opportunity for the Cavaliers to reinforce their squad and achieve better on-court results as they navigate the remainder of the season.