LaMelo Ball is having the kind of season that turns heads around the league. Averaging 29.5 points, 7.4 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game while shooting 33.0% from beyond the arc, the 23-year-old is making his case as one of the league’s best point guards. But despite Ball’s brilliance, the Charlotte Hornets are hovering well below .500 (10-28), stuck in the dreaded middle ground of being too good to tank and too bad to contend.
The Hornets’ lack of depth and talent around Ball has been glaring. Outside of rookie Brandon Miller (21.0 PPG) and the inefficient Miles Bridges (18.4 PPG on 43.1% FG and 30.7% 3-PT FG), there simply isn’t enough firepower to compete in a deep Eastern Conference. Charlotte has a decision to make: either waste another year of Ball’s prime or shake up the roster with bold, transformative trades.
With Ball playing at an All-NBA level, now is the time for the front office to act decisively and build a winning team around its franchise cornerstone. Let’s dive into three big trades that could change the Hornets’ trajectory and finally give LaMelo Ball the help he deserves.
Perfect Lob Partner In Zion Williamson
Potential Trade Details
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Miles Bridges, Cody Martin, Tre Mann, 2026 First-Round Pick (CHA), 2027 First-Round Pick (DAL), 2028 First-Round Pick (CHA)
Pairing LaMelo Ball with Zion Williamson would instantly create one of the most dynamic duos in the league. Ball’s elite court vision and Zion’s unmatched explosiveness around the rim could turn the Hornets into must-see TV every night.
While Zion’s health has been a concern—he’s played in only 10 games this season, averaging 21.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists—his talent when healthy is undeniable. The Hornets would finally have a true interior presence to complement Ball’s perimeter play, creating a two-man game that could give nightmares to opposing defenses.
To get Zion, the Hornets would need to part with Miles Bridges, who has been solid but not franchise-changing, averaging 18.4 points and 7.6 rebounds this season. Cody Martin provides the Pelicans with a solid two-way wing, and Tre Mann adds scoring depth. The draft capital sweetens the deal, with three first-round picks giving New Orleans flexibility for the future.
While it’s a gamble given Zion’s injury history, the potential upside is massive—especially for a franchise like Charlotte, desperate to make noise in the playoffs. It’s a trade-off of potential for stability, but for the Hornets, it’s a calculated risk worth taking to elevate their ceiling and give Ball a legitimate co-star.
Shooting And Athleticism With Zach LaVine
Potential Trade Details
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: Grant Williams, Josh Green, Cody Martin, Vasilije Micic, 2027 First-Round Pick (DAL)
Zach LaVine could provide the Hornets with much-needed scoring and athleticism on the wing. Averaging 23.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists this season while shooting 45.6% from three, LaVine would take a significant load off LaMelo Ball offensively. His ability to create his own shot and run in transition fits well with Ball’s fast-paced style, giving Charlotte a dynamic offensive punch.
The trade package of Grant Williams, Josh Green, Cody Martin, and Vasilije Micic offers the Bulls a mix of young talent and veteran depth. Grant Williams has been a reliable two-way contributor, averaging 10.4 points and 5.1 rebounds, while Josh Green adds defensive versatility.
Two first-round picks, including a 2027 pick from Dallas, give Chicago assets for a potential rebuild. While it might feel like an overpay for LaVine, his ability to score at all three levels makes him a perfect fit alongside Ball.
This trade would also take pressure off Brandon Miller, allowing him to develop without the burden of being the primary secondary scorer. With Ball and LaVine running the backcourt, the Hornets would have one of the most dynamic offensive duos in the league. The defensive concerns are real, but Charlotte could offset that with a team effort and improved rotations.
Getting Julius Randle Out Of Minnesota
Potential Trade Details
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Julius Randle
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Grant Williams, Josh Green, 2027 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick (DAL)
Julius Randle offers Charlotte a rugged interior presence and a scoring punch in the frontcourt. This season, Randle is averaging 19.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, and while his impact hasn’t really been there for the Timberwolves, he remains a high-volume option who can take pressure off Ball and Miller.
His physicality and ability to stretch the floor make him a solid fit next to Mark Williams (if he can stay healthy with only 16 appearances this season), giving the Hornets an intriguing inside-out dynamic. Minnesota, on the other hand, could look to move on from Randle if his fit alongside Rudy Gobert continues to be clunky.
In return, they get Grant Williams and Josh Green, both of whom bring defensive versatility and three-point shooting. Williams is a plug-and-play forward averaging 10.4 points and shooting 36.5% from deep, while Green adds athleticism and youth. Two first-round picks, including Dallas’s 2027 selection, provide long-term value for the Timberwolves.
For the Hornets, Randle offers a proven veteran presence and a go-to scorer in clutch situations. While his inconsistency and defensive lapses can be frustrating, his ability to dominate in stretches gives the Hornets another weapon to complement Ball’s playmaking. It’s not a perfect fit, but for a team in desperate need of star power, Randle could be the type of high-risk, high-reward move Charlotte needs to make.
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