Lonzo Ball began the 2025-26 NBA season playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, posting averages of 4.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 30.1% from the field and 27.2% from beyond the arc in 35 appearances. Last month, Ball was traded to the Utah Jazz. Following this trade, the Jazz waived him, making Ball a free agent open to offers from any NBA team.
Golden State Warriors Step Back From Pursuing Lonzo Ball
Among the teams linked to potentially signing Ball was the Golden State Warriors. However, recent reports indicate that the Warriors have withdrawn their interest in adding him to their roster. Marc Stein, writing for The Stein Line, noted that both Golden State and Denver, once candidates for Ball’s signing, appear to have stepped away from pursuit.
Both Golden State and Denver, teams that were linked to Lonzo Ball early in the process; it seems like they’ve faded away.
– Marc Stein, The Stein Line
Lonzo Ball’s Career Overview and Challenges
Once a highly regarded talent, Ball was selected second overall in the 2017 NBA Draft after an impressive collegiate career at UCLA. His early promise pointed toward All-Star potential, but injuries have significantly hindered his progress. Over 322 career games, Ball has averaged 10.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per contest, with shooting splits of 39.2% from the field and 35.5% from three-point range.
Earlier this season, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the trade that sent Ball from Cleveland to Utah:
The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to trade Lonzo Ball and two second-round picks to the Utah Jazz, sources tell ESPN.
– Shams Charania, ESPN
Lonzo Ball’s Journey Through the NBA
At 28 years old, Lonzo Ball still has the opportunity to attract interest from teams willing to take a low-risk chance on his skills. During the 2020 season, he demonstrated his capabilities by averaging 11.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 37.5% from three-point range across 63 contests.
Throughout his nine-year NBA tenure, Ball has played for several teams including the New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, and briefly with the Utah Jazz. His high points in earlier years were punctuated by standout performances such as a January 2020 stretch when he recorded three consecutive 20-point games with notable statistical outputs.
Lonzo Ball! 3rd straight 20-point game 24 PTS, 10 AST, 6 REB, 4 3PT 23 PTS, 5 AST, 10-16 FG 27 PTS, 10 AST, 10 REB, 7 3PT
– Ballislife.com
Warriors’ Current Standings and Upcoming Matchups
The Golden State Warriors, currently holding the eighth seed in the Western Conference with a 31-30 record through 61 games, are navigating a challenging season. They recently fell 114-101 to the Los Angeles Clippers at home and are preparing for an upcoming road game against the Houston Rockets.
Head coach Steve Kerr continues to lead the team through a demanding stretch as they seek to secure a playoff berth from their current positioning.
Implications for Lonzo Ball and the Warriors
The withdrawal of Golden State’s interest leaves Ball to explore other opportunities within the league, potentially with teams looking for veteran depth at point guard without substantial financial risk. As the Warriors face a pivotal phase of their season, focusing on building chemistry and securing postseason positioning, their decision reflects a strategic choice deemed best for their roster composition.
For Ball, remaining unsigned could mean waiting for further roster openings or demonstrating his value through other means to attract future interest. Meanwhile, the Warriors will look to maintain momentum and improve their standing in a highly competitive Western Conference as the season progresses.
"Both Golden State and Denver, teams that were linked to Lonzo Ball early in the process, it seems like they've faded away."
– @TheSteinLine on Lonzo Ball 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/PldzRelFIu
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) March 2, 2026
The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to trade Lonzo Ball and two second-round picks to the Utah Jazz, sources tell ESPN. Ball's agent Rich Paul and the Jazz are expected to discuss his future soon. pic.twitter.com/qrNtC6tlc7
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 4, 2026
Lonzo Ball!
3rd straight 20-point game24 PTS, 10 AST, 6 REB, 4 3PT
23 PTS, 5 AST, 10-16 FG
27 PTS, 10 AST, 10 REB, 7 3PTpic.twitter.com/ujvkctnndN— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) January 5, 2020
