Is an unrestricted free agent Lonza Ball calling it quits? Comments he made on a podcast hinted he was retiring, but the second overall pick in the 2017 draft denied it on social media Wednesday.
Speculation was fueled by a viral tweet posted by Underdog NBA (video link), in which Ball said: “I feel like I gave everything I had to play hoops, and I feel like everything I’ve gotten in my life is because of hoops. I’m thankful that I made it to the league and was able to play 9 years.”
Minutes later, Ball was still talking as if his playing career might be over.
“Honestly, I never felt like I reached my peak. … I still had to get there, play, put on a jersey, all the things I wanted to do as a kid. That was enough for me.” he said.
The ball took him Twitter feed to clarify that he still hopes to get signed.
“Am I retired? News to me lol because I’m still waiting for the call…NBA season continues.” he wrote.
The ball has been on the market since early February when the Jazz refused him after acquiring him in a wage-dumping trade by the Cavaliers.
The Cavaliers acquired Ball, who was on an expiring $10 million contract, from Chicago last summer in exchange for Isaac Okora in the hope that he can provide the team with a reliable replacement for the Sixth Man of the Year finalist You, Jeromewho went free. However, Ball had a disappointing season in Cleveland, averaging career lows in several categories, including points (4.6) and minutes (20.8) per game, as well as field goal percentage (30.1%) and three-point percentage (27.2%).
Ball missed two full seasons with persistent knee problems before playing 35 games for Chicago in 2024/25.