Charlotte Hornets Engaged in LaMelo Ball Trade Conversations

ESPN Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania dropped a bombshell at the end of the 2026 NBA Draft, as the Charlotte Hornets are engaged in trade conversations regarding star guard LaMelo Ball.

Ball played well for the Hornets in the 2025-26 season, averaging 20.1 points per game along with 4.8 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.2 steals, shooting 40.7 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from three.

He is a great playmaker and scorer who helped Charlotte go 44-38 in the 2025-26 season, narrowly missing the postseason after they fell to the Orlando Magic in the second Play-In Game.

Ball has three years remaining on a five-year $203.85 million extension. There are teams interested in acquiring the All-Star guard, including the Minnesota Timberwolves.

That would make a dynamic backcourt with Ball and Anthony Edwards. Minnesota shed salary in a deal that sent Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets, which could open the door for the Timberwolves to make a major swing for a player like Ball.

The Hornets have established a quality core, and if they move Ball, they will lean on Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller to take over as the stars of the team. 

Knueppel narrowly missed out on the Rookie of the Year award behind Cooper Flagg. The 20-year-old averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, shooting 47.5 percent from the floor and 42.5 percent from behind the arc.

Miller also played well for Charlotte in his third season, as he averaged 20.2 points per game along with 4.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and a steal. The 23-year-old forward shot 43.5 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from downtown.

If the Hornets move on from Ball, it could open the door for their 18th overall pick, Christian Anderson, to start in his rookie campaign.

Charlotte could also be more aggressive in re-signing guard Coby White, as he played well after they acquired him at the trade deadline.

While a potential Ball trade comes as a shock, the Hornets have built a talented roster and could still make a playoff push in the 2026-27 season without him.

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