Lonzo Ball, Daniel Gafford, Royce O’Neale Named Trade Targets For Cavs

Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball, Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford and Phoenix Suns forward Royce O’Neale have been named trade targets for the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

Caleb Crowley of King James Gospel believes the Cavaliers should trade for Ball, Gafford or O’Neale this summer.

“As a passer, Ball is one of the best non-All-Star offensive maestros the Cavaliers could find,” Crowley wrote. “He rarely turns the ball over, and his basketball IQ is one of his best tools. Defensively, though, is where Ball truly shines. Standing at 6’6″, Lonzo is a great perimeter defender, a skill the Cavs could desperately use. Adding an oversized, defensive guard to the Cavaliers backcourt could help alleviate the flaws brought on by Garland and Mitchell in the starting unit.”

Ball appeared in 35 games for the Bulls this season. He averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.5 blocks. The UCLA product missed the entire 2022-23 season and the 2023-24 campaign. He underwent a cartilage transplant in his left knee and received a meniscus transplant from a donor.

Ball, who turns 28 in October, will make $10 million next season. 

“To build up the Cavaliers’ center depth, Gafford could be the perfect answer,” Crowley wrote. “The 26-year-old big man is a physical, backdown player who battles for every missed shot on both ends of the court. Last year, he averaged 6.8 rebounds, splitting it with 4.1 defensive and 2.7 offensive per game. Considering the Cavaliers’ persistent rebounding shortcomings, adding Gafford could be an ideal move this summer.”

Gafford averaged 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.4 steals and 1.8 blocks for the Mavericks this season in 57 games. He’ll make $14.4 million next season in the final year of his contract. 

“Entering his ninth NBA season, O’Neale could give the Cavaliers a proven wing shooter and veteran presence,” Crowley wrote. “As a young, upcoming contender, the mentorship from O’Neale could prove invaluable in high-pressure situations. Additionally, the 6’6″ wing could be a talented two-way player for a franchise that has finally begun investing in wing depth.”

O’Neale averaged 9.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks for the Suns this season in 75 games. He’ll make $10.1 million next season.