According to Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports, multiple league sources say that LaMelo Ball is getting frustrated by the Charlotte Hornets and is open to the idea of being traded elsewhere. The report also says the Hornets would be open to moving LaMelo, as they’re also frustrated with him.
The wording of this is important. “Open” to a trade does not mean he’s requested a trade or even wants a trade. It’s more like he wouldn’t be mad if he got traded. But this is what “league sources” are saying. Let’s kick to LaMelo Ball himself for comment:
We’re going to take that as a sharp rebuke of the report.
While it’s a splashy headline, I don’t think it’s anything we couldn’t have already assumed just by being generally aware of what’s gone on during Ball’s now six year career. LaMelo has always been one for glamour and the spotlight, so no one would expect him to be okay on a losing team for six straight seasons (regardless of how much you think he’s contributed to that). You really wouldn’t expect any competitive player to be okay with that. On the other hand, naturally a team is going to be frustrated when their highest paid player can’t stay on the floor and plays a horrendous game against one of the worst teams in the league when he gets back on it.
So while it’s fair to say there’s probably some tension there, I don’t think it’s reached a level where a split is imminent. Both parties are probably evaluating their options, and if something comes along that’s amenable to all sides they take it. But I don’t think Jeff Peterson is actively shopping LaMelo for anyone that will take him, and I don’t think LaMelo has completely checked out on the team.
We’ll see how the rest of the season progresses. If the Hornets keep losing like they have been, it probably becomes more and more likely that a move is made.