This NBA trade idea sends Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball to a playoff team.
An NBA trade idea sending LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets to a playoff team has been created.
Eric Smith of Fansided created the following trade idea between the Hornets and Toronto Raptors:
Hornets get: Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, 2026 1st-round pick, 2027 2nd-round pick
Raptors get: LaMelo Ball, Collin Sexton
According to NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, a team in the Eastern Conference checked in on the trade availability of Ball over the summer. That team was the Raptors, which is why Smith created this trade idea.
"It's rare for a blockbuster trade to benefit both sides," Smith wrote. "Ball's trade value is at one of its lowest points. At some point, the Hornets have to acknowledge that the LaMelo era hasn't translated into playoff success for the organization. Charlotte has also shown they can win without Ball. While this may inevitably push the rebuild out a bit longer, it will leave the franchise better positioned for the future with a cleaner foundation."
The Raptors would have a talented "Big 3" of Ball, Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes if this trade happened. Meanwhile the Hornets would get talented young building blocks in Quickley and Barrett and future draft picks.
Ball has appeared in 25 games for the Hornets this season. He's averaging 19.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game while shooting 40.9% from the field, 36.5% from beyond the arc and 86.9% from the free-throw line.
The Raptors are in fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings, while the Hornets are in 12th place. Ball has never been to the NBA playoffs. This trade idea changes that.
Ball is making $37.9 million this season. He doesn't have a no-trade clause in his contract. The talented playmaker signed a five-year, $203 million extension with the Hornets in 2023.
Many people around the NBA believe the Hornets should trade Ball and build the franchise around Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel. Let's see if that happens.