Every team in the NBA needs a franchise player. They’ll know when they have one. Sometimes, their franchise guy ends up being somebody other than who they expected.
Look at the Houston Rockets. He was supposed to be their franchise player when they selected Jalen Green with the second overall pick in the 2021 draft. Now, Alperen Sengun looks like the man in Houston. Even rookies like Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore have shown more promise than Green.
The Charlotte Hornets could be in a similar position. They thought their franchise player was LaMelo Ball. He’s frequently hurt, and Brandon Miller has emerged in his absence. Could the Hornets send Boll to the Rockets?
NBA Trade Proposal
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G Fred VanVleet, G Jalen Green, 2024 First-Round Pick (BKN via HOU), 2026 First-Round Pick (BKN via HOU), 2028 First-Round Pick (HOU)
Houston Rockets Receive: G LaMelo Ball, G/F Cody Martin
Will Sengun be that guy for the Rockets? It remains to be seen. He’s an electrifying offensive talent. Still, some are concerned about his ability to defend in the playoffs.
Amen Thompson? He’s an outlier athlete and a genius on the floor. He also can’t shoot or dribble. Cam Whitmore? He can score as well as any rookie, but he’s never met a pass that he liked.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets, Houston Rockets Updates
All told, this team is in an interesting situation. The Rockets have a surplus of exciting young talent, but they don’t have a sure thing. Should they acquire Ball?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
The Rockets would have a couple of concerns here. Ball’s injury history would be chief among them. Still, fortune favors the brave. Teams need to take risks sometimes to get ahead.
Otherwise, Ball doesn’t project as an obvious fit with Thompson. On the other hand, Thompson has flashed some off-ball potential as an excellent cutter. More broadly, the Rockets need to see him develop some fundamental skills before they make decisions based on him.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets, Houston Rockets Updates
After all, Ball is a proven commodity. If he can stay healthy, he’s among the best playmakers in the NBA. Should the Hornets part with him?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
The Hornets don’t have to choose between Ball and Miller. They’re a good fit together. Still, Miller’s emergence affords them the luxury of moving Ball if they want. The Hornets have someone else to build around.
Taking a flyer on Green makes sense. Sure, he’s been disappointing throughout his NBA career to date. He remains a dynamic athlete with a lethal first step.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets, Houston Rockets Updates
If he doesn’t work out? The Hornets are picking up three unprotected first-round picks here as well. Finally, VanVleet has a team option on his contract ahead of 2025-26 – he’s not a significant burden for their cap sheet. If Miller emerges as their franchise player, they can negotiate a cheaper deal with him.
