LaMelo Ball has appeared in nine games this season, averaging 21.6 points, 9.6 assists, and 6.9 rebounds per game. Despite his solid stats, his shooting percentages are low, with just 38.5% from the field and 29.8% from beyond the arc. While Ball has made the Hornets more competitive, the team’s overall performance remains lackluster, holding a 4-11 record so far.
Speculation about a potential trade for Ball, possibly around the February deadline, has been circulating. According to Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports, multiple league sources say that Ball is unhappy with the organization and open to a trade. The Hornets’ front office reportedly doubts Ball’s fit as a long-term franchise player and is considering moving on from the 24-year-old.
However, Ball has publicly denied any trade request on X (formerly Twitter), and Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer confirmed that the Hornets have no current plans to trade him. Charlotte is focused on getting Brandon Miller back from a shoulder injury and seeing how the team performs at full strength. Despite their poor record, the Hornets have been more competitive than it appears.
There are playoff contenders in need of a point guard, such as Orlando and Houston, who are watching the situation closely. While there will be demand for Ball, his injury history and defensive struggles might reduce his trade value below what the Hornets hope for.
This trade talk is not unique to Ball; teams are also monitoring Memphis’ Ja Morant and Atlanta’s Trae Young, both sidelined by injuries.
Fan Take: This trade speculation highlights the unpredictable nature of the NBA and how even talented players like LaMelo can become central figures in franchise decisions. For basketball fans, it underscores the delicate balance teams must manage between player potential, injuries, and team chemistry, all of which shape the future of the sport.
