SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz made significant roster changes just before Thursday’s trade deadline, acquiring guard Lonzo Ball from the Cleveland Cavaliers while sending center Jock Landale to the Atlanta Hawks. These moves come as part of the Jazz’s broader plan to reshape their squad.
Although Lonzo Ball will not play for Utah, the team is acquiring two second-round draft picks in the deal with Cleveland. The Jazz plan to waive Ball shortly after the trade, which will provide Cleveland with substantial salary relief.
Details of the Lonzo Ball Trade and Draft Picks
The Jazz’s deal with the Cavaliers includes two second-round selections for the 2028 and 2032 NBA Drafts. Utah will buy out Ball’s remaining one-year contract worth $10 million, offering Cleveland approximately $65 million in savings and helping the Cavaliers maneuver beneath the NBA’s luxury tax threshold.
Ball, 28, has appeared in 35 games this season with Cleveland, averaging 4.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists while shooting 30 percent from the field and 27 percent from three-point range. Following his buyout, Ball will become a free agent eligible to sign with any NBA team besides Utah and Cleveland.
Jock Landale Heads to Atlanta amid Recent Player Movements
Jock Landale, who did not participate in any games for the Jazz after being briefly acquired, will be traded to the Hawks. Landale was initially included as a throw-in from the Memphis deal that delivered All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah in exchange for several players and future draft assets.
To facilitate the acquisition of Ball and the draft picks from Cleveland, the Jazz needed to clear roster space, resulting in Landale’s move to Atlanta. The Hawks, currently missing starting center Kristaps Porzingis for much of the season, will benefit from Landale’s addition to their frontcourt rotation.
At 30 years old, Landale has averaged 11.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while achieving shooting percentages of 51 percent from the floor and 38 percent beyond the arc this season.
Strategic Impact of the Jazz’s Trade Deadline Decisions
These maneuvers indicate the Jazz’s intent to leverage future draft capital and adjust their salary commitments while enhancing their roster with elite talent like Jaren Jackson Jr. The return of multiple first-round picks and promising young players from Memphis further strengthens the team’s rebuilding process.
Cash considerations included in the Landale trade also add financial flexibility for Utah moving forward. With these trades, the Jazz have positioned themselves to be more agile in roster construction and future drafts.
An updated look at the @utahjazz‘s future draft assets after a busy 24 hours ahead of the trade deadline. #takenote https://t.co/Hu3MgmWcDG
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 4, 2026
The @utahjazz have officially acquired two-time All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. from the @memgrizz.
▪️What does Jaren Jackson Jr. offer?
▪️Was this a good trade?#takenote https://t.co/p3RaU64fOW
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 4, 2026
As the trade deadline closes, all eyes will be on how these changes influence the Jazz’s performance down the stretch and in future seasons. The moves are part of a broader strategy by the Utah Jazz to reinvent their roster with an eye on both immediate competitiveness and sustained growth.
An updated look at the @utahjazz's future draft assets after a busy 24 hours ahead of the trade deadline. #takenote https://t.co/Hu3MgmWcDG
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 4, 2026
The @utahjazz have officially acquired two-time All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. from the @memgrizz.
▪️What does Jaren Jackson Jr. offer?
▪️Was this a good trade?#takenote https://t.co/p3RaU64fOW— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 4, 2026
