The most important thing for any NBA team is to find their franchise player. When a team has their guy, they don’t let go of him easily. Having the type of player who can lead a deep playoff run is not something to take lightly.
That’s why the San Antonio Spurs have been celebrating all summer. They just landed quite the franchise player. If Victor Wembanyama hits his ceiling, he’ll carry the Spurs for years to come. Now, the Spurs have to put the best team around Wembanyama that they can.
The Charlotte Hornets have a franchise player as well. LaMelo Ball is among the best young point guards in the NBA. With that said, there have been whispers at times that he could look to make his way out of Charlotte eventually. Could they really trade him to the Spurs prematurely?
The Trade Proposal
Charlotte Hornets receive: F Doug McDermott, G Devonte’ Graham, G/F Reggie Bullock, F/C Zach Collins, 2024 First-Round Pick (SAS), 2025 First-Round Pick (ATL via SAS), 2027 First-Round Pick (ATL via SAS), 2028 First-Round Pick (SAS)
San Antonio Spurs receive: G LaMelo Ball
For a long time, drafting a franchise player was by far the best way to land one. Once a team drafted a player, they were cost-controlled. The team was likely to keep that player at an affordable cost for the duration of their first two NBA contracts. These days, the game has changed.
Star players force their way out of town more readily than ever. In some cases, that’s meant that teams have lost their franchise player while they were still on their rookie extension. Take Donovan Mitchell. He seemingly forced his way out of Utah while he was still on his rookie extension.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Could Ball be next? Who’s to say? The Hornets extended him this summer. As a result, they can’t trade him yet. Could they really consider doing so leading up to the deadline?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
In all likelihood, no. Charlotte isn’t likely to trade Ball. They just passed on Scoot Henderson in the draft because he plays Ball’s position. The Hornets likely want to commit to Ball for as long as he’s willing to commit to them.
Let’s play Devil’s Advocate. Ball is injury prone – there’s that. It’s also been speculated in the past that he’d like to play in a bigger market. We cannot confirm or deny those rumors. Still, the idea of Ball leaving Charlotte may not be as unthinkable as it appears at first glance.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Here, the Hornets would be getting ahead of the problem. This isn’t about anything other than draft capital for Charlotte. They’re receiving four first-round picks – now, they can start over while building around the rest of their young core. Should the Spurs help them get that fresh start?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
What’s better than one franchise player? How about two? If Ball is available, the Spurs ought to pounce on the opportunity to land him. They’d have the best young core in the NBA following this deal.
Some will argue. They’ll say that the Spurs ought to take it slow. Why? So they can eventually draft a player to pair with Wembanyama? If the Spurs net a player half as good as Ball, they’ll be content. The Spurs have their franchise player. Now, they should be open to a wide variety of team-building methods.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets & San Antonio Spurs Updates
The fit between player and organization is here, too. Ball is among the smartest players in the NBA. Imagine him in Gregg Popovich’s system. If he can develop the right chemistry with Wembanyama, the Spurs could establish another dynasty here. What could be more important than that?
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