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MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 28: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles the ball past Davion Mitchell #45 of the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter of the game at Kaseya Center on October 28, 2025 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The Miami Heat are starting to find their rhythm. They sit 5th in the Eastern Conference at 10-6 and have done it without a minute from Tyler Herro, who is eyeing a return on Monday. Bam Adebayo continues to anchor everything on both ends. Jaime Jaquez Jr. has taken another step and looks increasingly comfortable with more responsibility.
Even with that progress, Miami is still searching for one more star-level presence. One idea proposed by Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey offered a possible answer — LaMelo Ball.
Yahoo Sports’ Kelly Iko reported that LaMelo Ball has grown increasingly frustrated with Charlotte’s direction. Ball appeared to brush off the story on social media, but the conversation around his future still grew louder. When a player with his talent enters the rumor cycle, teams begin mapping out what a move might look like.
For Miami, the fit is easy to see. Ball gives them an initiator they do not currently have.
Kelly Iko
Amidst a rough 4-11 start, Hornets star guard LaMelo Ball has grown increasingly frustrated with the organization and is open to a trade, league sources tell @YahooSports.
Why LaMelo Ball Would Shift the Heat’s Offense
Ball remains one of the league’s most gifted young guards. He is a star playmaker who blends deep shooting, size and creativity. His averages of 21.6 points, 9.6 assists and 6.9 rebounds so far this season show the offensive load he can manage.
Miami’s interest would start with what he brings alongside Adebayo. The Heat rely heavily on Bam to organize the offense from the elbows and the nail. That responsibility grows whenever possessions slow or defenses tighten. Ball gives Miami a different pace, vision and feel. He sees cutters early. He creates advantages without forcing isolations. His shooting stretches the floor in ways Miami cannot replicate.
Pairing him with Herro and Adebayo gives Miami a true star trio. Herro adds a three-level scoring threat. Ball brings the creativity and shotmaking that shift defensive game plans. Adebayo keeps everything connected and stabilizes the structure on both ends.
Jaquez’s growth adds another dynamic. His cutting, strength and defensive work fit naturally around high-level guards. Ball’s ability to speed up the game and widen the floor would likely elevate Jaquez further.
The talent and fit are clear. The next step is determining whether Miami can construct an offer that interests Charlotte.
SleeperHeat
Should the Heat trade for LaMelo Ball?
How the Heat Could Build a LaMelo Ball Package
Pat Riley, Miami Heat
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesPat Riley, Miami Heat
Miami has multiple ways to approach a deal, depending on what the Hornets prioritize.
Nikola Jović is the most obvious young piece. His size, shooting potential and development curve make him the type of prospect rebuilding teams value. From there, the Heat can pivot the outgoing salary in several directions.
A framework built around Andrew Wiggins would likely require stronger draft compensation to get Charlotte’s attention.
Using Tyler Herro instead shifts the value — his immediate production gives Miami a case to include fewer or even no picks.
Meanwhile, a Terry Rozier version offers the least player value, so Charlotte would almost certainly insist on heavier draft capital in return.
Miami can scale any version based on Charlotte’s preferences. The pattern is straightforward. More impact in the player portion means fewer picks. Less impact means more draft value going out.
Potential Trade Packages
Package 1
Heat receive: LaMelo Ball
Hornets receive: Andrew Wiggins, Nikola Jović, 2030 first-round pick (lottery protected)
Package 2
Heat receive: LaMelo Ball
Hornets receive: Tyler Herro, Nikola Jović
Package 3
Heat receive: LaMelo Ball
Hornets receive: Terry Rozier, additional salary, draft compensation
Ball has already addressed the noise surrounding his name. When asked about the recent speculation, he said, “The source is not from me. It’s false info.” His denial does not remove him from conversations around the league, but it adds another layer for any team evaluating the situation.
Bleacher Report
“The source is not from me. It’s false info.”
LaMelo Ball on rumors of being open to a trade from Charlotte
(Via @hornets)
Final Word
The Heat have stayed competitive without Herro, leaned on Adebayo in bigger moments and watched Jaquez make encouraging strides. Adding Ball to that group would give Miami an offensive dimension it has not fully unlocked. He brings pace, creativity and shooting. He gives the Heat another star who changes how opponents prepare.
If Charlotte keeps Ball, Miami will maintain its current path. If the Hornets begin listening, and Ball is open to a move, the Heat have a real avenue to explore.