One NBA writer is proposing that the Charlotte Hornets trade LaMelo Ball to the Boston Celtics this offseason for Jaylen Brown.
Adam Taylor of Fansided proposed that the Hornets send Ball, Nick Richards, and two draft picks to the Celtics for Brown. The idea would be to reconfigure the roster in a meaningful way before having to pay Brown a supermax contract extension.
“In terms of return, this deal makes sense for the Celtics,” Taylor wrote. “Yes, Boston loses one of their two All-Star wings, but they gain a potential star guard in LaMelo Ball, who projects to be a better fit alongside Jayson Tatum from a basketball point of view. Nick Richards’ inclusion in the deal sweetens the pot, as the Celtics need a new big man of the future, and following an impressive season for the Hornets would likely slot into the rotation as the third-string big man, with scope to earn himself a bigger role moving forward.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics, LaMelo Ball & Charlotte Hornets Updates
With the Hornets holding the 2nd pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, the team could select Scoot Henderson to form a more formidable one-two punch with Brown. With an impact player on a rookie deal, Charlotte could navigate roster construction more easily.
“The draft picks will also help replenish Boston’s current asset cupboard after Brad Stevens dealt away multiple first-round draft selections as he reshaped the Celtics’ roster after becoming their President of Basketball Operations. For the Hornets, landing an All-NBA wing while also keeping control of their 2nd overall pick is a homerun. Mitch Kupchak would likely move to acquire Scoot Henderson in the draft, who could operate as an immediate replacement for LaMelo, while also providing a solid scoring punch in a new-look Hornets’ rotation that would be geared toward high-tempo offense.”
Brown averaged 26.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists for the Celtics this season while shooting 49.1% from the field, 33.5% from beyond the arc and 76.5% from the free-throw line. He is eligible to sign a designated veteran extension with Boston this offseason since he made an All-NBA team this season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics, LaMelo Ball & Charlotte Hornets Updates
Meanwhile, Ball put up 23.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 8.4 assists per game this season for the Hornets while shooting 41.1% overall, 37.6% from 3 and 83.6% from the free-throw line. He appeared in only 36 games due to ankle issues.
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