It wasn't too long ago that a certain someone floated the idea of the Utah Jazz acquiring Lonzo Ball as a buy-low candidate. Even after that, it seemed even more doable once Cleveland basically acquired Dennis Schroder to take Ball's role. Well, the Jazz did it, but not for basketball reasons.
After ESPN's Shams Charania reported the trade, he also confirmed that Utah will waive Ball.
The Jazz are expected to waive Lonzo Ball, allowing him to be a free agent, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/NH3dxebRlQ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 4, 2026
Although the Jazz need more defense, they are also still very much tanking, despite acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr.