Ball, the No. 2 total choose within the 2017 NBA Draft, spent the previous 4 seasons in Chicago. Nevertheless, because of a number of knee accidents, he spent the higher a part of that point recovering. He missed everything of the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons earlier than returning to the lineup this previous 12 months.
Whereas his playtime was down from his profession averages this season, he nonetheless recorded 7.6 factors, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals.
The Bulls signed Ball to a two-year, $20M extension in February regardless of commerce curiosity on the time. He’s on the books for $10M this season and has a crew possibility for subsequent 12 months.
Buying Ball provides the Cavaliers a flexible guard so as to add to their lineup. If he stays wholesome, Ball has proved to be an efficient defender, shooter and facilitator. The Cavs buying some extent guard might additionally level to pessimism of their means to re-sign impending free agent Ty Jerome.
In the meantime, the Bulls are taking a flier of their very own in acquiring former No. 5 total choose Okoro. The Cavaliers didn’t re-sign Okoro to a multiyear contract till September of final 12 months after he turned a restricted free agent following the 2024 season.
Okoro’s taking part in time decreased in new head coach Kenny Atkinson’s system, and he averaged profession lows of 6.1 factors and 19.1 minutes. Within the playoffs, Okoro’s averages shrunk to 4.6 factors throughout 14.2 minutes. He’ll be within the second 12 months of the three-year, $33M deal he inked with Cleveland final 12 months. This 12 months, he’ll rely for $11M earlier than his contract jumps to a assured $11.8M subsequent season.
