Lonzo Ball linked to 1 team in trade rumors

Lonzo Ball may end up going even further east.

The Washington Wizards are showing interest in trading for the Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ball, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported on Saturday. Scotto notes that the Wizards are in a prime position to accept salary dumps as they have $30 million in luxury tax room space as well as multiple traded player exceptions to work with.

Ball, 28, is averaging 4.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game this season in a limited bench role for the Cavaliers. Earlier this week, we heard that the chances of the former No. 2 overall pick being traded ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline were increasing.

The Wizards are not obviously going anywhere this season at 12-35 (14th in the Eastern Conference). But over the last year or so, they have taken on several forgotten names with sizable contracts, including Khris Middleton, CJ McCollum, and Marcus Smart.

Washington was able to turn some of those players (and ancillary assets) into a blockbuster move for Trae Young earlier this month. They have also managed to pick up some future draft compensation in exchange for accepting those salary dumps from other teams.

Ball’s contract makes him a similarly appealing option for the Wizards. He is making $10 million this season and has a $10 million club option for next season.

That means Washington could trade for Ball and keep their books clear for next season by simply cutting bait with him in the summer. But if Ball does well for them over the next couple of months, the Wizards would also have the option of keeping him around in 2026-27 as a veteran role player and guide for some of their younger talents.