LaMelo Ball Reportedly Open to Hornets Trade, What Are His Top NBA Landing Spots?
LaMelo Ball has stuck with the Charlotte Hornets through years of struggle, but the point guard reportedly is now open to a trade.
Per Yahoo Sports' Kelly Iko, Ball "has grown increasingly frustrated with the organization and is open to a trade away from the franchise." Iko added that the Hornets "front office is increasingly hesitant about cementing Ball as a long-term foundational piece" and is open to a trade as well.
Ball was quick to react to the report on social media:
But with Ball potentially on his way out of Charlotte, here are a few potential landing spots.
Brooklyn Nets
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The Nets don't have star power to offer to the Hornets, but they're loaded with future draft picks, and that is presumably what Charlotte would want in return for Ball. While the Hornets have some young talent, they're still deep in their rebuild, and they need all the future draft picks that they can get. The Nets also drafted a handful of guards in 2025 and could send one back to the Hornets so they don't miss any depth in the backcourt.
Ball is a perfect fit for the New York market, considering he's been in the spotlight since he was a teenager, so he likely wouldn't have a hard time adjusting to life in the big city.
On the court, Ball has left a bit to be desired in recent years, mainly due to injuries. When healthy, he's an elite passer and a capable scorer who could spark some offense for the Nets.
Memphis Grizzlies
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If it's star power Charlotte wants in return for Ball, Memphis should be one of the Hornets' first calls.
The Grizzlies have a disgruntled star in Ja Morant, and all signs are pointing towards a divorce between the two sides.
At his best, Morant is one of the best point guards in the league, and Memphis wouldn't even consider trading him for Ball, but he's been far from his best in recent seasons. He's played just 59 total games over the past two seasons and is averaging 17.9 points and 7.6 assists per game this season.
Trading for Morant would be a somewhat risky move for the Hornets, as they'd be banking on him returning to his best form, but if they could get him for the oft-injured Ball, the reward may outweigh the risk.
Toronto Raptors
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The Raptors are enjoying a decent 10-5 start to the 2025-26 campaign, but to say that they're championship contenders is still a bit of a stretch.
With a few upgrades, Toronto could at least be a threat in the playoffs.
One of the biggest upgrades the Raptors could make is at point guard. Immanuel Quickley currently occupies that position and is solid, putting up 15.9 points and 6.1 assists per game, but Ball—at full health—is the better player.
A core of Ball, Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram would give Toronto a trio of All-Star caliber players that would be capable of rivaling most teams in a relatively weak Eastern Conference.
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