The Cavaliers announced the Lonzo Ball trade and other moves as NBA free agency formally tipped off July 6. Here is a breakdown of the transactions.

Lonzo Ball is one of the best role players in the NBA (when healthy). The former UCLA star returned to action (last season) after missing nearly three years due to injuries. Last week, ESPN's Shams Charania reported the news that Ball has been traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Issac Okoro.

Last week, the Cavs traded Isaac Okoro for Lonzo Ball. They also signed Sam Merrill, basically picking him over fellow Cavs free agent Ty Jerome. Let’s look at what was behind these moves. About the money The new salary cap for the 2025-26 season is $154 million.