Breaking: Isaac Okoro Traded to Chicago Bulls in Swap for Lonzo Ball
In a move that signals both teams are sliding pieces into position for the upcoming season, the Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to trade swingman Isaac Okoro to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for veteran guard Lonzo Ball. The deal was first reported on June 28 by ESPN’s Shams Charania and is expected to become official when the new NBA league year begins on July 6, 2025 .
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📌 The Essentials of the Deal
Trade terms: One-for-one player exchange—Okoro to Chicago; Ball to Cleveland. No draft picks or additional assets involved .
Seven‑figure contracts: Ball is on a two-year, $20 million deal (with a 2026‑27 team option). Okoro carries two years remaining, costing roughly $22.8 million .
Trade official date: Expected activation on July 6, 2025, when the new league year begins .
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🔄 Why Cleveland Made the Move
The Cavaliers, fresh off a 64-win season and a second-round playoff exit, targeted backcourt reinforcements after early postseason struggles :
Depth at point guard: With Darius Garland recovering from toe surgery and Ty Jerome likely to leave in free agency, Cleveland needed a veteran facilitator .
Elite defense and playmaking: Ball, standing 6’6″, brings size, defensive acumen, and strong court vision—qualities Coach Donovan & GM Koby Altman value .
Cap flexibility: Trading down to Ball’s cheaper, shorter deal gives the Cavs wiggle room—just $8.9 million over the second apron, with a team option for 2026‑27 .
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🔄 What Chicago Gets in Okoro
The Bulls welcome a young, defensive-minded wing with untapped offensive upside as they rebuild :
Defensive boost: Okoro is known for elite perimeter defense and energy ⇒ perfect fit for Marc Eversley’s roster transformation .
Room to grow: At 24, he’ll join a rotation with Coby White, Josh Giddey, and Ayo Dosunmu, offering a fresh environment to kickstart his offensive game .
Contract control: With two years left on his rookie-scale deal, Chicago retains cost-efficient cap flexibility .
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⚠️ Risks & Sharps Takes
Team Concerns
Cavs Lonzo Ball’s recent seasons marred by injuries—meniscus transplants and recurring knee issues—but he averaged 7.6 pts/3.3 ast/3.4 reb over 35 games last season .
Bulls Some analysts criticize the lack of draft return, noting Chicago could’ve secured picks instead of Okoro .
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🧩 Fit, Impact & Outlook
For Cleveland, this “win-now” move banks on longevity from Ball, who could shore up backup PG duties and ease Garland’s load. If healthy, he enhances one of the league’s top passing backcourts .
For Chicago, adding Okoro complements the franchise’s youth-focused approach. His improved 37% three-point shooting and defensive versatility can energize the wing rotation .
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🎥 For You: Trade Breakdown
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🏁 Final Word
This trade epitomizes the contrasting strategies of two Eastern Conference teams: Cleveland pursuing immediate playoff upgrading, while Chicago bets on youth development and defensive intensity. The upcoming season will reveal which vision prevails.
Stay tuned as both franchises prepare for Summer L
eague showdowns and free agency maneuvers ahead of July 6.
