Cavaliers' risky trade for Bulls' Lonzo Ball could be worth the reward

The Cavaliers are taking an educated risk with Ball, who has struggled with injuries over the past few years, including a two-year span where he didn't play a single minute of competitive basketball. Yet, when healthy, he's one of the NBA's best playmakers and perimeter defenders.

Ball can fit into Cleveland head coach Kenny Atkinson's bench rotation and help unlock the talent surrounding him. His pitch-ahead passes, pick-and-roll mastery and off-the-dribble scoring will add a new dimension to the Cavaliers' game. 

Furthermore, Ball is a significantly better point-of-attack defender than Jerome, which will pay dividends during the postseason.

He joins the Cavaliers fresh off a two-year, $20 million contract extension. Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman has control over the second year of that contract, as it is a team option. Therefore, Ball has every reason to bring his A game as he looks to prove himself. 

Following a shocking second-round playoff exit, Cleveland had to make changes. Okoro struggled to make an impact, and Jerome looked prone to change teams this summer. Cap expert Yossi Gozlan noted that retaining Jerome would add approximately $90 million in luxury taxes to the Cavaliers' payroll. 

Ball doesn't come with a hefty price tag. However, Altman is taking a chance that he can stay healthy, especially with the opportunity to contend for a championship. 

On paper, the Cavaliers have upgraded their bench rotation and have added significant depth at the guard position. Ball could also help plug the gap left by guard Darius Garland as he recovers from surgery on his big toe. 

The Eastern Conference is wide open next season, and Ball is the type of talent that could swing things in the Cavaliers' direction. 

That said, it's hard to get too excited when you know there's a strong chance he lands on the injury report. Still, that's the risk an organization must take when they're trying to save cap space and contend.