The Golden State Warriors have long been connected to the Ball family—whether through the three brothers idolizing Stephen Curry’s limitless range in high school, or the franchise’s controversial 2020 NBA Draft decision to select James Wiseman over LaMelo Ball at No. 2 overall. That link took another intriguing turn in recent weeks when the Warriors seriously considered signing the eldest brother, Lonzo Ball, off the buyout market after he was waived by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein on the All-NBA podcast, Golden State got “close” to inking Ball to a rest-of-season deal. The reason the signing never materialized? His chronic knee issues.
Lonzo Ball, Cleveland Cavaliers
Lonzo Ball’s Tortured Path Back to the NBA Ball’s career has been a rollercoaster since the Los Angeles Lakers selected him No. 2 overall in 2017. Touted as a do-it-all offensive star, he never quite reached All-Star level but carved out a niche as a ball-moving, knockdown shooter and defensively versatile support player.
Then disaster struck: Ball suffered a debilitating knee injury that sidelined him for over two full calendar years. He battled back and appeared in 35 games for the Chicago Bulls late last season, showing flashes of his old self—albeit with lingering knee concerns.
The Cleveland Cavaliers acquired him this offseason, believing he could provide rotation stability. But the Eastern Conference contenders quickly realized he lacked the juice to contribute meaningfully. Ball fell to the fringes of the rotation and was salary-dumped at the February 2026 trade deadline before being waived.
Three Weeks Post-Deadline, No Takers – Warriors Backed Off After Medical Review With the trade deadline passed, every NBA team has had the chance to sign Ball to a rest-of-season minimum contract. Yet no one has pulled the trigger—likely a clear sign of his diminished value around the league.
Stein revealed that the Warriors were Ball’s most serious suitor. On paper, it made some sense: Golden State is dealing with multiple guard injuries (Stephen Curry out with runner’s knee, Seth Curry sidelined for weeks, Gary Payton II and others touch-and-go). The roster is overloaded with guards (eight on the 14-man roster plus two two-way guards), but many are currently unavailable.
The need for another guard—especially a larger one like Ball (listed at 6’5″)—seemed logical at first glance. However, what the Warriors truly need is reliable availability and minutes coverage until Curry and others return. Signing a player with chronic knee problems was never realistic.
After reviewing Ball’s medicals, the Warriors walked away. Stein called it “not a great sign” for Ball’s prospects of catching on with any team this season. At best, someone might bring him aboard to work in their medical program with hopes of a minimum deal next season—but for now, his market remains extremely limited.
What the Warriors Actually Need Despite the guard depth on paper, Golden State’s real need is a wing with size, not another guard. Healthy wings capable of contributing immediately are scarce on the buyout market. The interest in Ball stemmed from injury necessity, not ideal fit.
Ultimately, the Warriors chose caution over risk. Ball’s talent once made him a tantalizing option, but his knee history proved too concerning—even for a team desperate for backcourt bodies.
For now, Lonzo Ball remains a free agent in limbo. The Warriors, once his closest suitor, have moved on—prioritizing health and reliability over potential upside.