Report: Hornets Star LaMelo Ball Open to Trade After Franchise's Disappointing Start

Charlotte is 4-11 on the season through 15 games.
Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball is open to a trade after a 4-11 start to the season.
Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball is open to a trade after a 4-11 start to the season. / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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The Hornets lost 127-119 to the 2-13 Pacers on Wednesday night to drop to 4-11 on the season, and amid the franchise's disappointing start, star guard LaMelo Ball is open to being traded, according to a report from Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports.

Ball has become increasingly frustrated with the team, and the franchise has become increasingly hesitant about locking in Ball as a "long-term foundational piece." Ball wouldn't mind being traded, and the franchise wouldn't mind moving on, per Iko.

The 24-year-old Ball is being paid $37.9 million this season and has $130 million remaining on his contract over the next three seasons in Charlotte, which appears to be more willing to play at a more deliberate pace offensively with forward Brandon Miller and rookie Kon Knueppel leading the way.

As for Ball, in nine games this season, he has averaged 21.6 points, 9.6 assists and 6.9 rebounds on 38.5% shooting from the floor.

Ball will certainly have a market if Charlotte becomes serious about moving him.


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Mike McDaniel
MIKE MCDANIEL

Mike McDaniel is a staff writer on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated, where he has worked since January 2022. His work has been featured at InsideTheACC.com, SB Nation, FanSided and more. McDaniel hosts the Hokie Hangover Podcast, covering Virginia Tech athletics, as well as Basketball Conference: The ACC Football Podcast. Outside of work, he is a husband and father, and an avid golfer.