The Los Angeles Clippers need to go all-in for the NBA title in the 2024-25 season since Kawhi Leonard and James Harden won’t be in their primes for long. With Paul George no longer on the team, the Clippers need some reinforcements and could target All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball in this blockbuster trade scenario. LaVar Ball, LaMelo’s outspoken father, recently mentioned how he would love to see his son on the Los Angeles Clippers, and let’s imagine what this trade scenario could look like.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: LaMelo Ball
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Norman Powell, Terance Mann, Bones Hyland, 2030 First-Round Pick Swap (LAC), 2031 Second-Round Pick
This deal would shake the Western Conference because the Clippers would have some exciting offensive talent while the Hornets re-tool quickly around their young core. Here is the breakdown of this trade for both teams and why it should happen this summer.
Los Angeles Clippers Create A New Big Three
With the acquisition of LaMelo Ball, the Los Angeles Clippers would form a new and dynamic Big Three alongside Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. LaMelo, who averaged 23.9 points, 8.0 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game in the 2023-24 season, would bring a fresh playmaking dimension to the Clippers. With Harden’s ability to shoot from deep (38.1% from three) and Leonard’s two-way prowess (averaging 23.7 points and 6.1 rebounds last season), Ball’s addition would make the Clippers one of the most formidable offensive teams in the league.
Adding LaMelo Ball, a former All-Star and the 2020-21 NBA Rookie of the Year, also provides the Clippers with a cornerstone for the future. The 6’7″ point guard is an elite passer and a versatile scorer who can shoot from long range (37.4% career 3-point shooter). Ball’s knack for making his teammates better would allow Leonard and Harden to focus more on scoring and defense rather than having to initiate the offense constantly. In key moments, Ball’s ability to create his own shot and penetrate defenses would provide a significant advantage against Western Conference rivals like the Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Denver Nuggets.
Defensively, Ball, Harden, and Leonard trio could also be highly effective. Leonard remains one of the premier wing defenders in the league, and Ball has shown potential as an off-ball defender who can disrupt passing lanes (1.8 steals per game in 2023-24). Harden, while not known for his defense, can contribute in a switch-heavy scheme. Together, they would form a balanced and versatile lineup capable of adjusting to various playoff matchups, giving the Clippers a realistic chance at making a deep postseason run.
Charlotte Hornets Rebuild Around Brandon Miller
In this trade scenario, the Charlotte Hornets would gain valuable assets in Norman Powell, Terance Mann, and Bones Hyland while also clearing the way for Brandon Miller to emerge as the face of the franchise. Miller, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has already shown glimpses of his potential with averages of 17.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game as a rookie. With LaMelo Ball now in Los Angeles, Miller can step into a more prominent role, taking over as the primary scoring and playmaking option.
The addition of Norman Powell provides the Hornets with an experienced scorer who can help bridge the gap during the rebuilding phase. Powell, who averaged 13.9 points per game while shooting 40.1% from three in the 2023-24 season, can serve as a mentor to the younger players while also providing a consistent offensive punch off the bench or as a starter. Terance Mann and Bones Hyland, meanwhile, are promising young talents who can grow alongside Miller. Mann, a high-energy forward who excels defensively, averaged 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game last season and has the potential to become a key rotational piece. Hyland, known for his dynamic scoring ability and creativity as a combo guard, adds depth to the Hornets’ backcourt and could thrive in a more featured role in Charlotte.
The draft assets acquired in this trade—namely a 2030 first-round pick swap and two future second-round picks—also position the Hornets well for the future. These picks could be used to either draft additional young talent or as leverage in future trades to acquire more established players who fit the team’s timeline. With the right mix of player development and strategic acquisitions, the Hornets could accelerate their rebuild around Miller, who has already displayed a polished offensive game and defensive versatility.
A Blockbuster Trade Scenario That Benefits The Clippers Most
Without a doubt, this trade scenario primarily benefits the Los Angeles Clippers. By adding LaMelo Ball, the Clippers not only address their need for a dynamic playmaker but also set themselves up with a young star who can take the reins as Kawhi Leonard and James Harden age out of their primes. While the team has seen some success with their current roster, the addition of Ball would add a youthful spark and ensure continuity for years to come.
It could allow the Clippers to extend their championship window beyond the next few seasons, positioning them well for both short-term and long-term success. LaMelo Ball’s presence would also reduce the workload on Leonard and Harden, allowing them to focus on what they do best. Leonard can continue to anchor the defense and be a go-to scorer, while Harden can thrive as a secondary ball-handler and elite shooter.
Ball’s ball-handling and playmaking abilities mean that the Clippers can afford to rest Leonard and Harden more throughout the regular season, reducing their injury risk and ensuring they are fresh for the playoffs. The flexibility this gives head coach Tyronn Lue in terms of rotations and matchups cannot be overstated, as it enables the Clippers to deploy multiple lineups without sacrificing quality.
Moreover, this trade positions the Clippers as an attractive destination for future free agents. A core featuring LaMelo Ball would undoubtedly entice other stars, even if Leonard and Harden are getting older, who are looking for a winning culture and a team that prioritizes both development and contention.
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