3 Landing Spots for Buyout Target Lonzo Ball

Lonzo Ball's run with the Cleveland Cavaliers is over, after he was traded to the Utah Jazz at the deadline, and then bought out, making him an unrestricted free agent.

The No. 2 overall pick of the 2017 NBA draft was poised to be a big star in the NBA, but a series of injuries, including a devastating knee injury, completely derailed his career. He was out of action for two and a half seasons before returning last year, playing 35 games. He was a shell of his former self, however.

In another 35 games this year with Cleveland, he's averaging just 4.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 20.8 minutes a night. He's shooting a career-worst 27.2% from three-point range.

Nevertheless, his ability to read defenses and distribute the ball will earn him a backup role with some team for the rest of the season. Here are three teams who are the leading suitors.

Golden State Warriors

The frontrunner is undoubtedly the Warriors. They are aggressively pursuing Ball.

REPORT: The Warriors have their “sights set” on acquiring Lonzo Ball on the buyout market. pic.twitter.com/DbQc1W9AEt
— Cavs Muse Reports 🦈🪽 (@Cavs_Muse26) February 7, 2026

Insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer peg the Dubs as the team to beat.

Golden State needs some depth behind Steph Curry at the point, as he is currently out with a knee injury.

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets are also in need of some depth in the backcourt, and Ball could actually play either guard position for them. As noted by Andy Bailey in Bleacher Report, Denver would be a good landing spot. "His basketball IQ and team-first approach would make him a natural fit on a roster with Nikola Jokić."

Charlotte Hornets

This would be a nice story, to see Lonzo join his younger brother LaMelo Ball in Charlotte. The Hornets have been hot lately, riding an eight-game winning streak into Saturday's games, and tied for the final play-in spot in the Eastern Conference.