The Orlando Magic have been struggling lately, dropping nine of their last ten games and sliding from third place in the East to eighth with a 24-27 record. With their offense in need of a major boost, Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes has suggested a blockbuster trade scenario in which the Magic acquire LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for a huge package of young players and draft picks.
Orlando Magic Receive: LaMelo Ball
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Jonathan Isaac, Anthony Black, Tristan Da Silva, 2026 First-Round pick, 2027 First-Round swap, 2030 First-Round pick, 2025 Second-Round pick, and 2026 Second-Round pick
After a red-hot start to the season, the Magic have lost momentum, particularly on the offensive end. While their defense has remained elite under head coach Jamahl Mosley, they are desperate for a high-level playmaker and three-point shooter to complement their young core of Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero.
Enter LaMelo Ball.
The 22-year-old All-Star is currently averaging 28.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game, shooting 41.9% from the field and 33.7% from three. While his efficiency has been inconsistent, Ball remains one of the league’s most creative playmakers and a fearless scorer.
By pairing Ball with Jalen Suggs, the Magic would maintain elite perimeter defense while adding an explosive offensive weapon. Orlando would immediately become one of the most dangerous teams in the Eastern Conference, setting themselves up as a long-term contender alongside teams like the Celtics, Bucks, and Cavaliers.
Yes, Ball’s injury history is a concern, but Orlando is clearly willing to take the same type of risk that the Lakers did with Luka Doncic—betting on superstar potential rather than playing it safe.
The Charlotte Hornets have endured another brutal season, currently sitting at 12-35 with no real hope of playoff contention. Injuries, inconsistency, and a lack of defensive identity have made them one of the worst teams in the league.
Despite LaMelo Ball’s undeniable talent, his recurring ankle issues have raised concerns about his long-term durability. With their season already lost and the need to build around Brandon Miller and their likely top-five lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, trading Ball now could provide Charlotte with a foundation for the future.
In this proposed deal, the Hornets would receive Jonathan Isaac, Anthony Black, and Tristan Da Silva, along with multiple draft picks, including a 2026 first-round pick, a 2027 first-round swap, a 2030 first-round pick, and additional second-round picks in 2025 and 2026. Isaac has shown flashes of elite defensive ability when healthy, but his availability has always been a major concern.
Black, meanwhile, is a promising young guard with solid playmaking potential and defensive versatility, while Da Silva provides another developmental piece on the wing. The most valuable part of the deal, however, is the three first-round picks, which would allow the Hornets to completely reshape their roster in the coming years.
While it’s unlikely the Hornets actually pull the trigger on trading Ball, this trade would dramatically shake up the Eastern Conference. If Orlando believes Ball can stay healthy, this move could position them as a powerhouse for years to come.
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