A former NBA executive told NBA Analysis Network that the Charlotte Hornets are “open” to the idea of trading point guard LaMelo Ball for the right price this summer.
Ball was the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. He’s the younger brother of Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball.
“I’ve heard that anything is on the table for Charlotte this offseason,” the former exec said. “They’re even open to the idea of trading LaMelo Ball for the right price. The Hornets are a major team to keep an eye on as far as player movement goes this offseason.”
Ball has career averages of 19.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 7.3 assists with the Hornets while shooting 42.6% from the field, 37.7% from beyond the arc and 82.8% from the free-throw line. However, Charlotte is only 75-87 when the one-time All-Star plays.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LaMelo Ball & Charlotte Hornets Updates
The Hornets have the second overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. They could draft point guard Scoot Henderson, who has been compared to Russell Westbrook and Derrick Rose. However, according to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, the recent intel circulating around the league is that the Hornets will select small forward Brandon Miller of Alabama.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported in March that Hornets owner Michael Jordan was engaged in serious talks to sell a majority stake in the franchise to a group led by minority owner Gabe Plotkin and Atlanta Hawks minority owner Rick Schnall. If a sale is completed, MJ is expected to remain with a minority stake in the franchise.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LaMelo Ball & Charlotte Hornets Updates
If there is a new majority owner in town, it’s possible Ball could be traded by the Hornets. However, given his talent level, it would be a shock to many if the 2020-21 Rookie of the Year was moved.
After all, Ball just averaged a career-high 23.3 points this season to go along with 6.4 rebounds and 8.4 assists.
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