Overview
- Chicago traded Lonzo Ball to Cleveland for Isaac Okoro over the summer to add physicality and anchor a stronger team defense.
- Okoro debuted for the Bulls back in Cleveland with 11 points, two three‑pointers and two steals in a 118–117 preseason win.
- Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said Ball will skip back‑to‑backs to start and play roughly 20 minutes as the team prioritizes having him ready for the playoffs.
- Atkinson called Okoro “a coach’s dream,” while Billy Donovan emphasized that Chicago seeks a collective defensive identity rather than relying on one stopper.
- During Thursday’s rematch at United Center, the Bulls played a video tribute for Ball, underscoring goodwill around the swap.