NBA Trade Rumors: Hornets Willing to Ship LaMelo Ball Amid Ex-ROY's Mounting Frustration with Team’s Rough 4–11 Start

NBA: Charlotte Hornets at Indiana Pacers - Source: Imagn
LaMelo Ball open to a trade with the Charlotte Hornets (Image Source: IMAGN)

The Charlotte Hornets, led by LaMelo Ball, have struggled this season and are currently 4-11. The Hornets suffered their fourth straight loss on Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers. According to NBA insider Kelly Iko, Ball has grown "increasingly frustrated" with the lack of success in Charlotte.

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Iko reported that the 2021 Rookie of the Year is open to a trade away from the franchise. This season, Ball has been limited to just nine games due to an ankle injury. The one-time All-Star is averaging 21.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 9.6 assists on 38.5% shooting.

"League sources say the front office is increasingly hesitant about cementing Ball as a long-term foundational piece, has become disillusioned with the 24-year-old and is open to moving him," Iko wrote.
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In his report, Iko pointed to Wednesday night’s matchup as a notable instance, highlighting how LaMelo Ball was sidelined for the final 4:32 of regulation in the Hornets’ 127-119 defeat. Ball ended the game with 18 points on 5-of-21 shooting, committing six turnovers in 27 minutes of play.

Ball hasn't had notable success with the Hornets since entering the league. Injuries have played a major role in his not having a single postseason appearance. Last season, the former Chino Hills star played only 47 games. The year before that, he suited up in just 22 games.

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The 6-foot-7 guard is 24 and still has the potential to develop into a star. Ball is under contract with the Hornets for three more years as part of his five-year, $260 million extension.


Which teams could trade for LaMelo Ball?

LaMelo Ball is talented enough to attract interest from other teams and potentially finalize a trade with the Hornets. Now that Ball is open to moving on from the organization, here are two teams that could pursue him.

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Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets are in the Kevin Durant era and would prefer to maximize KD's remaining years. Before the season began, the Rockets’ starting point guard, Fred VanVleet, suffered a torn ACL.

This could be a sign for the team to acquire a capable facilitator before the playoffs. With LaMelo Ball, Houston can maintain its big lineup, since he is one of the league’s larger backcourt players.

Memphis Grizzlies

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The Memphis Grizzlies could soon look to trade All-Star guard Ja Morant. During the season, reports surfaced that Morant and the coaching staff were not seeing eye-to-eye. This could open the door for a potential move.

The Grizzlies are an ideal fit for Ball. The team has solid talent around him with Jaren Jackson Jr. and a young Zach Edey. A guard swap between Memphis and Charlotte could address each franchise’s issues at point guard.

Charlotte Hornets Fan? Check out the latest Charlotte Hornets Depth Chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

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Edited by Reign Amurao
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