Milwaukee Bucks’ Under the Radar PG Option Off Table as Bulls Deal Former No. 2 Pick to Cavs

ESPN’s Tim Bontemps is a fan of the fit . “If he can stay healthy, Lonzo Ball will be such a perfect fit for the Cavaliers. Has become a good shooter, is an incredible connector and a strong defender. Would fit in just about any lineup combination for them,” Bontemps tweeted after the news.

In part, alongside Milwaukee’s desperate needs at the point, Ball’s depressed trade value and buy-low status are what made him a palatable option. Getting Ball in a one-for-one role player swap is a win for Cleveland. He isn’t anything special at this point, but despite his injuries, Ball remains an elite passer when right. A busted knee has probably taken some of the juice from his legs, but in years past, the 6-foot-6 guard was also a solid force on the boards (5.5 career RPG).

Never an efficient scorer, he nonetheless improved notably as a three-point shooter. In years three through five of his career, he shot above 37% every season, before that rate dipped to 34.4% in 2024-25.

No one in Milwaukee is tearing their hair out over Ball’s disappearance from the market. Especially if Porter leaves, though, the Bucks could benefit from a backup point guard similar to pre-hiatus Ball – good passer, can defend and knock down threes.

To compensate for Damian Lillard’s absence, in the starting lineup they need to target scoring help, whether at the point or shooting guard. Ball wasn’t going to provide that, anyway. Options like free agent Malcolm Brogdon or Utah’s Collin Sexton would better address that need.