3:00 pm: Multiple teams have requested access to review Ball’s medical records, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes (Twitter link). Pending review of said records, Ball is likely to land with Golden State, according to Fischer, who confirms the Nuggets expressed interest in Ball too (Twitter link)
12:55 pm: In addition to working to convert Pat Spencer from a two-way deal to a standard contract, the Warriors are also interested in signing Lonzo Ball, reports Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (via Twitter).
Fischer’s Stein Line colleague Marc Stein hears Ball is expected to land in the Western Conference (Twitter link). Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints confirms Golden State is interested in Ball, and says the Nuggets are a “serious suitor” for the 28-year-old guard as well (Twitter link).
Both the Warriors (13) and Nuggets (13) have two openings on their 15-man standard rosters and will need to get back up to 14 within two weeks.
The No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 draft, Ball has dealt with a variety of health issues over the course of his career, most notably a left knee injury which caused him to undergo three surgeries and to miss two-and-a-half seasons. The 6’5″ guard spent the first several months of 2025/26 with the Cavaliers, who traded him (and two second-round picks) to the Jazz in a salary-dump move prior to Thursday’s deadline.
Ball was cut by Utah on Thursday after the deal was completed, making him an unrestricted free agent as soon as he clears waivers.
Ball, whom Cleveland acquired last summer in a trade that sent Isaac Okoro to Chicago, struggled mightily with his shot in his lone season with the Cavs, averaging a career-low 4.6 points on a career-worst .301/.272/.667 shooting line in 20.8 minutes per game across 35 appearances. He also chipped in 4.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.3 steals per game.
Those shooting splits are somewhat misleading, as nearly 84% of Ball’s field goal attempts have been three-pointers, but obviously 27.2% is a poor mark from beyond the arc and well below his career rate (35.5%).
As for Spencer, the 6’2″ point guard reached his 50-game active limit in Thursday’s comeback win at Phoenix. He certainly made a strong case for a promotion in that victory, recording a team-high 20 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals in 32 minutes with Stephen Curry sidelined due to a knee injury.
Overall, the 29-year-old has averaged 5.8 PPG, 2.9 APG and 2.2 RPG on .423/.431/.833 shooting in 36 games (14.4 MPG).
Ball is a very good ball handler and passer with high IQ. So might be a good fit for teh warriors. Its obvious that Spencer is going to get a promotion up to a standard contract. Only thing that may be holding it up is the amount he wants or how long the extension.
I can see him going to DEN instead though. Better chance for a ring!
I don’t care where he goes just stay away from MSG.
Depends on who gives him more playing time to regain his NBA career.
when you have the lowest 3P% as a guard, I dont think rings are on his mind. More like how can he stay in the league
excellent take arc
He’s done imo. No harm in checking him out.
Spencer will be gone in this offseason. He isn’t good btw.
Just what GSW needs, another guard who is both injured and can’t shoot.
GSW is 23rd in reb/gm and is avging 2.3 less rpg that their opponents. Clearly signing a wing or big with size (Bassey?) should be a much higher priority.
Management is clueless.
Pat Spencer rules! I would love to drink some beers with that guy.
He’s likely better at drinking beer than playing NBA basketball.
Lets go Lonzo Ball as Kerr uses him as a small ball 4
My god, he has been one of the absolute worst players to suit up this season. Why do so many GM’s think players are still what they were 5 years ago? Lonzo was worse than unplayable for Cavs.
His injuries take a long time to heal.
Arc, Zo is a good PG when healthy. Is he a 20 PPG scorer? No of course not but like you aforementioned he is a good fast break starter and excellent vision and hands. He’s a good defensive player and has size to guard multiple spots. If I’m MDJ I hope he’s a Warrior not only for this year, but next bc he’s exactly the kind of backup PG you need so the 2nd unit offense isnt stagnant. Obviously he wouldn’t be relied upon for 60 games but with Spencer or another PG they can slowly bring Zo up for crucial defensive possessions and moments when there is need for a 2nd ball handler on the court next to 30.
Warriors need a second ball handler. Melton is their best ball handler. By not needing Curry to be a ball handler it opens up to more offense from him. Ball is an excellent passer so it opens up the team to cut to teh basket which the warriors need.
Agreed with what you said on every account. He’s a perfect warriors 2nd unit player.
He’s had his Knee basically replaced. Pro athletes that use their legs like he does. Not really best results for this surgery. You could be right. It could take long for him to be helpful.
fair to say the jury is back on the Lavar Ball training method. Absolutely flogging their growing bodies has destroyed Lonzo’s career and is in the process of doing the same to Lamelo. it’s a shame, because both have the size and feel for the game to have been very successful, but their bodies will let them both down.
Don’t forget the dodgy shoes he made them wear…
Please let him be the latest saviour for the Warriors…
Will be funny after Butler and KP…
Would be easier to get him if we drafted LaMelo and not Wiseman
At Raz…Sitting next to Kristaps no less.
Wolf, wolf, wolf……sure there is, not falling for that one again.
4/5 years ago I would’ve said go to GSW learn from Curry and Kerr and your going to potentially reach your potential but now after the injuries and looking at the Warriors roster it’s less exciting to be as a basketball fan.
I’d be more happy to see him on the Nuggets backing up Murray, playmaking and working off Jokic and potentially winning a ring with them similar to the role Russ played for them last year.
Really just want to see Lonzo stay healthy and enjoying his basketball he’s had a really tough career with all the criticism, massive expectations and unfair comparisons.