Why would the Charlotte Hornets do this, though?
Former NBA big man Kendrick Perkins isn't an NBA insider, but since he's a former player, he does have connections around the league.
Perkins recently revealed on his podcast with Ali Clifton and Richard Jefferson a text message from someone who told him that the Charlotte Hornets are limiting LaMelo Ball's minutes to lower his scoring average.
There have been rumors that the Hornets could trade Ball this season. The one-time All-Star has been linked to the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers.
Ball doesn't have a no-trade clause in his contract, so he has no control over his future. The 24-year-old has appeared in 26 games this season. He's averaging 19.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game while shooting 41.1% from the field, 37.1% from beyond the arc and 87.2% from the free-throw line.
The Hornets are 13-23. They are in 12th place in the Eastern Conference standings. Many people around the NBA believe Charlotte's front office should trade Ball and Miles Bridges to build around Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel.
Ball is making $37.9 million this season. He signed a massive five-year, $203 million extension with the Hornets in 2023.
The 2026 NBA trade deadline is next month. It will be fascinating to see if the Hornets trade Ball or keep him next to Miller and Knueppel.
Ball was the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. He holds career averages of 20.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game. The Hornets are only 108-149 when Ball plays. They haven't made the playoffs since 2016 and have had just one winning season since drafting LaMelo.