LaMelo Ball has been a rollercoaster for the Charlotte Hornets. One minute he’s dazzling fans with no-look passes, the next he’s sidelined with another injury. The Hornets are sticking with their star, but with his constant unavailability, anything can happen.
What if the Hornets were to explore trade options for Ball? Could a deal materialize this season? Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale has toyed with the idea, putting forth a trade that sends the young point guard to the Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors are a team looking to add some star power this offseason, and ironically, also a team that passed up on drafting Ball during the 2020 NBA Draft. To land Ball, Favale thinks the Warriors could entice the Hornets with a package of young guys and future draft picks.
Per Bleacher Report:
“Charlotte Hornets Receive: Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, Andrew Wiggins, 2026 first-round pick, 2027 first-round swap, 2028 first-round pick, 2029 first-round swap, 2030 first-round pick (protected Nos. 21 to 30; turns into 2031 second-rounder if not conveyed)
Golden State Warriors Receive: LaMelo Ball
I don’t think the Hornets mustor even should trade LaMelo Ball. But given their shift toward a wholesale rebuild and his history of ankle issues, he does feel like a candidate to enter the “Surprise! We traded him!” mix… LaMelo comes with plenty of risk, but he does a better job of straddling now and later for the Dubs than someone like Lauri Markkanen. His passing and shot-making is more equipped to sustain an offense as the central option. And while his finishing still leaves much to be desired, he did a better job attacking all the way downhill before getting injured last year.”
