Image Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Bulls-Cavaliers Trade: Cavaliers Sign Lonzo Ball as Bulls Get Isaac Okoro: Who Won the Deal? Full Analysis Here

Lonzo’s exit reshapes Bulls rotation

Image Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers have made a direct trade swap between Lonzo Ball and Isaac Okoro. Cavaliers were rumored to strengthen their back court while the Bulls looked for a rebuild using current assets for the process.

The East’s top seed added Lonzo Ball, an offensive connector with strong playmaking instincts and shooting potential. He gives them a back court threat and also playmaking ability. With Darius Garland missing 27 games last season and Ty Jerome entering free agency, Ball has come at the right time.

BREAKING: The Chicago Bulls are trading Lonzo Ball to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Isaac Okoro, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/W0FTrRhe7y
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 28, 2025

Cleveland Cavaliers get Lonzo Ball who is a high-IQ connector who can run the second unit and also share the floor with Donovan Mitchell. The 27-year-old averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists last season.

Lonzo Ball also has defensive versatility averaging 1.3 steals per game and a career defensive box plus minus of +1.5. In the playoffs, the guard can also switch onto wings thus allowing Donovan Mitchell to conserve energy on defense.

Is Youth Over Reliability the Key?

The Chicago Bulls got their hands on Isaac Okoro who is a young, healthier wing with a defensive upgrade. Okoro is 24-years-old while Lonzo Ball is 27. He averaged 6.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in the 2024-25 NBA season.

The Chicago Bulls have an athlete who can grow into a 3-and-D role. Isaac Okoro also comes with defensive identity with his DFG percentage allowed being 4.2% below expected. He has strong lateral quickness, and is physical at the point of attack.

The Bulls were at the 23rd position in the defensive rankings last season. Okoro gives them depth in defense and also helps them re-establish a defensive culture without needing the ball.

At 24, Okoro offers more long-term reliability than Ball, especially given the guard’s ongoing injury setbacks. Lonzo Ball’s injury history made him a risky long term bet for the Bulls. With three wings under 25, the Bulls have cleared the backcourt clutter and opened a lane to restructure their rotation.