LaMelo Ball has become one of the most popular NBA superstars since getting drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2020 NBA Draft. While Ball has become an NBA All-Star and is among the biggest stars in the NBA, he’s not had any winning success on the court with arguably the worst franchise in the league. These struggles haven’t ended with Ball on the court, so the franchise might pivot to trading him.
Rumors have started circulating that the Hornets could consider moving on from Ball, who’s already signed a $260 million extension which will keep him with the franchise till 2028.Â
Even though he’s averaging 26.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 7.0 assists this season, the team might look at moving on while his value is still high to land a winning player who they believe can help them return to the Playoffs, something Ball hasn’t even brought them close to.
Let’s take a look at some teams heavily linked with a trade for Ball but who should avoid taking a plunge on the 23-year-old point guard.
Golden State Warriors
Potential Trade
Warriors Receive: LaMelo Ball, Seth Curry
Hornets Receive:Â Draymond Green, Buddy Hield, Moses Moody, 2027 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2029 First-Round Pick (GSW)
There is simply no way for the Golden State Warriors to acquire Ball without giving up Jimmy Butler or Draymond Green. Given the team just acquired Butler and already moved on from franchise legend Klay Thompson, it isn’t inconceivable to believe they’d include him in this trade if it landed them an on-ball star like LaMelo to be the franchise torchbearer after Stephen Curry retires.
This deal would send a veteran like Draymond who can build winning habits into a young Hornets locker room, which would be de facto led by Brandon Miller. In addition, adding a talent like Moses Moody could lead to great benefits on the court as well.Â
Nonetheless, the value here isn’t good enough for the Hornets to trade arguably the most talented player in their franchise history, as it doesn’t bring any high-ceiling young star or valuable picks to the Hornets.
Houston Rockets
Potential Trade
Rockets Receive: LaMelo Ball, Josh Green
Hornets Receive: Fred VanVleet, Cam Whitmore, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHX), 2030 First-Round Pick (HOU)
The Houston Rockets need to make a major change to revamp the team’s entire offense, ranking as a below-average defensive team all season, who can get easily clamped in crunch time. They’ve been linked to many offensive game-changers over the last season, but nobody is a more plausible fit than LaMelo.
Ball can be Fred VanVleet’s long-term replacement, with Houston needing to give Fred’s expiring contract and the high-upside young star Cam Whitmore. They’ll also fork over two Suns first-round picks, which are basically guaranteed to convey in the lottery, including the 2025 one which would be conveyed by the time this trade can be legal.
Josh Green is averaging 7.6 points, fitting into Houston’s profile of multi-positional defenders off the bench. Despite the upside, Ball’s play-style is incongruent with the Rockets and his personality is one that’s waiting to clash with coach Ime Udoka. It might create more distractions than winning basketball, so it’s best to avoid it entirely.
Orlando Magic
Potential Trade
Magic Receive: LaMelo Ball
Hornets Receive: Jalen Suggs, Goga Bitadze, 2027 First-Round Pick (ORL), 2029 First-Round Pick (ORL), 2031 First-Round Pick (ORL)
The Orlando Magic had major hopes for this 2024-25 season, which were dashed with a series of injuries, most recently to guard Jalen Suggs who has been ruled out for the season. The Magic’s offensive problems didn’t have a mid-season solution they wanted to explore, but the perfect offseason solution could be on his way if the Magic can part with a star like Suggs.
Around Suggs and center Goga Bitadze, the Magic can furnish the package with three first-round picks. While it’s likely a smaller player return, it’s not one that’s insignificant, especially next to someone like Devin Booker in the backcourt. But it might be controversial for the Magic, as it forces the ball out of both Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero’s hands.
If Ball can acclimatize the team-friendly style to its highest level, he’d have an NBA career that could last 20 years. But until he can do that, he’ll likely struggle getting recognized on talent alone.
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