The Charlotte Hornets' 2025-26 season has unraveled quickly.
Sitting at 4-11 and 12th in the Eastern Conference, the team has dropped four straight games, including a 127-119 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, where LaMelo Ball was benched late in regulation.
Under head coach Charles Lee, Charlotte ranks 19th in offensive rating (114.5) and 23rd in defensive rating (118.2), highlighting a roster that has failed to find balance yet again.
Miles Bridges leads the team in scoring at 22.1 points per game, while Ball remains the centerpiece, averaging 21.6 points, 9.6 assists, and 6.9 rebounds in 31.3 minutes across his first nine games.
Despite his playmaking brilliance, Ball's efficiency has dipped, shooting just 38.5% from the field and 29.8% from three; his career averages sit at 42% from the field and 36.2% from deep.
As a result of all this, recent trade rumors have intensified, and now, it appears to be something Ball has confirmed to Yahoo Sports that he is “open to a trade.”
Since being drafted third overall in 2020, Ball has been the Hornets' franchise cornerstone.
Across six NBA seasons, he has won a Rookie of the Year award (2020-21), earned one All-Star selection, and holds career averages of 21.1 points, 7.5 assists, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 31.9 minutes across 240 games.
Unfortunately, in Ball’s entire career in Charlotte, the team has never made the playoffs and only finished above .500 once (2021-22).
It’s safe to say that Ball has had enough.
In February, Ball signed a five-year, $260 million extension with Charlotte, keeping him under contract through 2029.
His 2025-26 salary is $37.9 million, making him one of the highest-paid guards in the league.
Even still, league insiders suggest Ball could generate more interest than fellow star guards Trae Young or Ja Morant.
Whether the Hornets choose to move their franchise guard or recommit to building around him, the coming weeks will shape not only Ball's future but also the direction of the organization.
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