Utah Jazz Land Lonzo Ball From Cavaliers, Likely Waived

The Jazz acquired veteran point guard Lonzo Ball and two second-round picks from the Cavaliers, per Shams Charania, though Utah is expected to waive him. Cleveland appears to have moved Ball mainly as a salary dump to get under the second apron while reshaping the roster after the James Harden deal. Merlin notes Jake Fischer called the move "clearly a salary dump." Ball has struggled this season, averaging 4.6 points and 3.9 assists while shooting 27.2 percent from three, and his injury history now clouds his upside. If he clears waivers a team needing veteran playmaking might take a low-risk flier, but the market will be cautious as the Cavs keep their toolbox open.