Lonzo B(All) In On Cavaliers: Cleveland Make Major Moves; Add Multiple Pieces

Last Updated:July 07, 2025, 20:50 IST

The Cavaliers have signed Sam Merrill to a four-year deal and re-signed Larry Nance Jr. for one year. They also acquired Lonzo Ball from the Chicago Bulls, trading Isaac Okoro.

Lonzo Ball joins the Cavaliers, strengthening their backcourt (X)

The Cleveland Cavaliers will feature some familiar faces next season, along with a new addition to bolster their backcourt depth.

Merrill Inks Four-Year Deal

The Cavaliers announced Sunday that guard Sam Merrill has signed a new four-year contract to remain with the team. Merrill, who joined the Cavs in March 2023, played 71 games last season, averaging 7.2 points per game and hitting 137 three-pointers.

Originally the final pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by New Orleans, Merrill found a solid role in Cleveland.

Nance Returns for Second Stint

Forward/center Larry Nance Jr. is also rejoining Cleveland on a one-year deal. Nance previously played for the Cavaliers from 2018 to 2021, appearing in 182 games—76 as a starter—and averaging 9.5 points and 7.5 rebounds. He was part of Cleveland’s 2018 NBA Finals team.

Last season, Nance suited up for the Atlanta Hawks, where he averaged 8.5 points and 4.3 rebounds across 24 games, including three starts.

A 10-year NBA veteran, Nance was originally drafted 27th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2015 and has since played for Portland and New Orleans.

Ball Joins Cavs from Bulls

The Cavs also made official their acquisition of veteran point guard Lonzo Ball from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Isaac Okoro. Ball, 27, gives Cleveland much-needed experience in the backcourt, particularly with Darius Garland expected to miss the start of the season after recent toe surgery.

Ball averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 35 games last season after missing two full years due to a left knee injury. In March 2023, he underwent a meniscus and cartilage transplant after two previous surgeries failed to resolve the issue.

Reflecting on his move to Cleveland, Ball said on a podcast: “I feel like it’s just a blessing, bro. To be honest, I mean, everybody keeps asking me how I feel about the trade. I’m like, s***, I’m happy to still be playing anywhere, let alone a team that has a real chance to win a ring.

“My whole life, I feel like I’ve been playing the right brand of basketball, and that’s to win games, so I feel like I’m going to a great situation, and I just want to play my role and do what I can to help."

Ball has one year left on his current deal, with a team option for the 2026–27 season.

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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