Lonzo Ball Reflects on Trade to Cavaliers After Surprise News

CHICAGO, Ill. — Lonzo Ball woke up to surprising news during his vacation in Fiji. On June 28, it was announced that he had been traded from the Chicago Bulls to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Isaac Okoro.

Due to the 17-hour time difference, Ball was asleep when the news broke. “I woke up and my phone was just . . . I couldn’t even go through it,” he said after a preseason game against the Bulls. He quickly called the coaches to express his gratitude before hopping on a plane to Cleveland.

Ball signed a two-year, $20 million extension with the Bulls back in February, a move that he believed made him a prime candidate for a trade. “I wasn’t surprised,” Ball stated. “I loved being in Chicago, but I’m thankful to still be on the court.”

The Cavaliers, who ended last season as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, aim for a stronger postseason performance this year after falling short in the playoffs. Ball’s role will be to condition during the regular season, as he will be on minutes restrictions and sit out some back-to-backs.

<p“The Cavaliers literally have everything you could want in this league,” Ball said. He sees the potential for success, especially with the talented roster in Cleveland.

Despite the trade, Ball respects the Bulls for their support during his recovery from knee surgery over the last two and a half years. “Chicago did what was best for them, and I think Cleveland did what they thought was best for them,” he said. “I can only control where I’m at and who I’m playing for.”

Ball looks to continue the trend of impactful former Bulls, referencing Alex Caruso’s success with the Thunder last season. “I think we’re impactful players in general,” he commented.

In a heartfelt moment during his first preseason game back at the United Center, the Bulls paid tribute to Ball with a video montage. “Just thankful, man,” Ball remarked, as he acknowledged the relationships he built during his time in Chicago.

“I loved the city of Chicago, and I’m grateful for all the support from the fans. I hope the best for them moving forward,” he concluded.