One of the biggest headlines over the past few days is LaMelo Ball reportedly being unhappy with the Charlotte Hornets. Ball has since debunked the rumors, but it hasn’t stopped trade ideas from popping left and right.
SB Nation’s Ricky O’Donnell shared a trio of trade proposals involving Ball, including one that would send him home to the Los Angeles Clippers. The 24-year-old guard was born and raised in Chino Hills, California.
His father, LaVar Ball, has been on record multiple times over the years about his preference for his three kids to represent the Clippers, as reported by Sporting News. Lonzo Ball is currently signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, while LiAngelo Ball is no longer playing pro basketball and is trying his hand at music.
Trade Proposal Sends LaMelo to Clippers
One of the reasons pointed out by Ricky O’Donnell for suggesting this trade is the Los Angeles Clippers’ early struggles. Their first-round pick for next year’s draft is owed to the Oklahoma City Thunder, so the Clippers and the rest of the NBA can’t afford giving the defending champions another weapon to create a dynasty.
Here is the suggested trade to send LaMelo Ball to the Clippers:
Clippers Receive: LaMelo Ball
Hornets Receive: John Collins, Bogdan Bodganovic, a Top 10 protected first-round pick and two second-round picks.
“The Clippers have been positioning themselves for max cap space in 2027, and trading for Ball would eat into that. At the same time, he’s the type of electric young creator who could carry the franchise out of the James Harden and Kawhi Leonard era, and perhaps save them some embarrassment from giving up a top pick this year,” O’Donnell wrote.
Yahoo! Sports’ Kelly Iko was the first to report about Ball’s frustration with the Hornets. The player would respond to the rumors by posting a clown emoji, seemingly calling out Iko’s sources.
Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer would later confirm that Charlotte isn’t actively looking to trade their best player since Kemba Walker.
Ball is currently averaging 21.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 9.3 assists and 1.3 steals in 10 games this season so far. He has been hampered by ankle injuries over the past three years and has already missed six games this season because of the same issues.
As for O’Donnell’s trade, it’s hard to see the Hornets accepting the offer since they are only getting one first-round pick. They are also not getting any young assets, just cap space.
LaMelo, Hornets Give Their Comments on Trade Rumors
Speaking to reporters after the team’s practice on Friday, LaMelo Ball commented on the rumors surrounding his happiness with the Charlotte Hornets. Ball called Kelly Iko’s sources false while reaffirming his desire to win in the Queen City.
“I love being here. I ain’t saying nothing. I’m just trying to win, that’s it. That’s what we’re going to keep doing,” Ball said, via ESPN.
Hornets coach Charles Lee was happy with Ball’s comments about wanting to win with the franchise that drafted him third in 2020. Lee added that he has a great line of communication with Ball regarding the team’s offense and defense. The Hornets are 4-12 after the first month of the season.
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