5 Likely Trade Destinations for LaMelo Ball as Hornets’ Chaos Fuels Exit Rumors

On Thursday, NBA reporter Kelly Iko broke the news that LaMelo Ball has "grown increasingly frustrated" with the Charlotte Hornets, who have started the season with a 4-11 record. Ball, who is in his sixth season with the Hornets, is now reportedly open to being traded to another team.

"Star guard LaMelo Ball has grown increasingly frustrated with the organization and is open to a trade away from the franchise, multiple league sources told Yahoo Sports," Iko wrote.

LaMelo Ball's track record has its fair share of red flags, as he has missed significant chunks of games due to various injuries over the years. Still, there are teams across the league that would benefit from acquiring the former All-Star.

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5 likely trade destinations for LaMelo Ball

1) New Orleans Pelicans

NBA: New Orleans Pelicans at Oklahoma City Thunder - Source: Imagn

Given the high-risk, high-reward nature of a trade for Ball, it makes sense that teams with essentially nothing to lose would take a chance on him. The New Orleans Pelicans fit that description perfectly, and they could either move past Zion Williamson or unload other assets to form a Ball-Williamson duo.

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2) LA Clippers

NBA: Los Angeles Clippers at Philadelphia 76ers - Source: Imagn

The LA Clippers have an aging roster, and the weary legs on their lineup are keeping them from playing with pace. The addition of Ball would speed things up and plant the seeds for a future beyond Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.

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3) Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn Nets v Orlando Magic - Source: Getty

The Hornets could use some draft picks over the next few years, and the Brooklyn Nets happen to have these in stock. The bright lights of New York could entice Ball, whose colorful personality would fit well in the Big Apple.

In addition, the Nets are 24th in the league in assists. Ball's extraordinary court vision and passing skills would certainly help in this regard.

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4) Toronto Raptors

NBA: Toronto Raptors at Philadelphia 76ers - Source: Imagn

The Toronto Raptors appear to be stuck at "promising," and it's time they take serious steps to surround Scottie Barnes with top-tier talent. Barnes is a highly versatile forward, but he can delegate ball-handling and playmaking duties if a court general like LaMelo Ball is on the roster.

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5) Sacramento Kings

NBA: Sacramento Kings at San Antonio Spurs - Source: Imagn

If there's any team in drastic need of a point guard for the future, it's the Sacramento Kings. Russell Westbrook and Dennis Schröder are the closest they have to a true facilitator, which clearly means they need a young talent like Ball to inhabit this position sooner rather than later.