The Charlotte Hornets were expecting to compete for a playoff spot this year. After adding a top-five pick and multiple free agent pieces, they were hoping to finally not have a lottery pick. Things have not gone as planned.
LaMelo Ball has not been able to stay healthy this season, missing roughly half of the games the Hornets have played. Charlotte most recently lost to the Indiana Pacers, who had the worst record in the league.
A report from Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports indicated that Ball was open to being moved in a trade. Ball has now responded to the report via social media.
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 28: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles the ball past Davion Mitchell #45 of the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter of the game at Kaseya Center on October 28, 2025 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Charlotte Hornets Guard LaMelo Ball Clowns Trade Report
It didn’t take long for Ball to respond. He did so on X, formerly known as Twitter, and clowned the report.
It’s clear that ball did not like the report. Ilko claimed that the Hornets would possibly be open to moving Ball, as well.
“League sources say the front office is increasingly hesitant about cementing Ball as a long-term foundational piece, has become disillusioned with the 24-year-old and is open to moving him.”
From Ball’s perspective, he doesn’t seem to agree with the report that he wants out of Charlotte. He has become one of the most popular athletes in the city of Charlotte. Ball was the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and has made one All-Star team.
With this latest loss, The Hornets sit 12th in the Eastern Conference Standings. Brandon Miller has been hurt again, so they haven’t been able to see what this team can fully do. Part of that is Ball’s fault, as he can’t seem to stay healthy in his career.
GettyCHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 30: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets is defended by Anthony Black #0 of the Orlando Magic during the second half of the basketball game at Spectrum Center on October 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
LaMelo Ball’s Contract Could be Tough to Move
Ball is a very expensive piece for the Hornets, which could make him tough to move. Ball signed a five-year deal worth $204 million in 2023. He currently has four years left on that deal. Finding a team willing to take that amount of money could be hard.
Both sides could be willing to make things work still, which is what Ball seems to prefer at this point in the season. Ball was benched at the end of the Pacers game, which has only fueled speculation that he is unhappy.
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