NBA Rumors: LaMelo Ball, Trae Young Being Monitored by Execs as Possible Trade Targets

Several young NBA players, including LaMelo Ball and Trae Young, could be prime trade targets during the offseason, according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto.

Ball is in the midst of a five-year, $203.85 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets. Executives believe the 23-year-old will be one of the biggest stars to watch on the trade market.

"The availability of Hornets guard LaMelo Ball is one of the stars several executives who spoke with HoopsHype will be monitoring on the trade market this summer," Scotto said.

Ball is averaging 26.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 7.0 assists this season with the Hornets, who are struggling with a 14-45 record. Ball will likely want to start winning after leading the team to two Play-In Tournaments in his first two seasons, the franchise's furthest advancement in nine years.

Ball has been the face of the franchise since being drafted third overall in 2020. If the Hornets decide to put him on the trade market, it would likely signal a complete franchise rebuild as they clear his maximum salary.

Another Eastern Conference rebuild could come in the offseason with the Atlanta Hawks and Young. Young is currently under a five-year, $215.16 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks and has a player option at the end of the 2026 season.

"The question on the mind of executives around the league is whether or not Atlanta will commit a long-term extension to Young this summer or look to move him before having to pay him more money," Scotto said.

Young is owed $46 million during the 2025-26 season, has a $48.97 million player option for the 2026-27 season and is eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension this summer, per Scotto.

With the Hawks reaching the Eastern Conference Finals once, losing twice in the first round of the playoffs and missing the postseason three times, the former fifth overall pick might be looking at a new home this summer.

The Hawks are 27-33 this season and the executives are unsure whether they want to commit to Young on a long-term extension, per Scotto.