LaMelo Ball
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LaMelo Ball is currently being linked to a potential trade away from the Charlotte Hornets.
The Charlotte Hornets made a bold move sending LaMelo Ball to the bench, despite being considered the face of the franchise. Ball came off the bench for the first time since his rookie season in a move that would be considered disrespectful to many top talents. Charlotte having Ball come off the bench could lead to both sides wanting out.
NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins claimed that he heard a story about LaMelo cursing out Hornets coach Charles Lee:
“The Hornets are going to have to make a decision, it’s either trade LaMelo or fire the coach. Those two guys don’t see eye to eye. I’m telling you straight up. This is a fact. The coach feels like LaMelo is not his guy. We’re talking about the guy that’s the face of your franchise. You move him to the bench?
My sources tell me that LaMelo after a game yelled in the hallway ‘fu*k this motherfu*ker’ to the coach. They’re not on the same page. Period. One got to go. It’s either the coach or LaMelo.”
Perkins revealed he has sources that believe Ball and Lee are butting heads. Charlotte has failed to truly progress into a real playoff team with LaMelo and multiple other young talented players joining the roster in recent seasons.
Would Charlotte Trade LaMelo Ball?
The NBA landscape sees team making bold moves easier than past eras. It only took a week for the Atlanta Hawks to reveal they are trading Trae Young and get a deal approved to the Washington Wizards. Ball getting placed on the trade block would likely see him getting moved by the deadline.
Multiple teams on the market are missing a viable starting point guard and could prioritize a relatively young LaMelo. Charlotte has started to show more of a preference to fellow young players Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel more than Ball to open the trade potential even wider.
If Perkins’ sources are right, the Hornets will likely look to move LaMelo at the deadline for future assets or another young player. Ball has spent all six years of his career in Charlotte, but the lack of success and more conflict building may make the time perfect for a move.
LaMelo Ball’s Potential Trade Destinations
The Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, and Houston Rockets are three playoff teams that could use a point guard. Minnesota feels like they are one piece away from being considered a true contender. Houston is missing a point guard until veteran Fred VanVleet returns from injury, and Miami is always active in trade targets.
Losing teams like the Sacramento Kings and Brooklyn Nets have been rumored to seek their next starting point guard on the trade market. Charlotte would have plenty of suitors, but the assets offered by other teams may be limited.
Atlanta settled for an expiring contract and a role player shooter for the more accomplished Young just last week. The Hornets may end up in the same boat having to settle for less if they move on from Ball while the market is stingier than it has been in recent years.