With trade season heating up, an Eastern Conference team has emerged in the sweepstakes for Charlotte Hornets star guard LaMelo Ball.
The Toronto Raptors reportedly inquired about the Hornets’ interest in trading Ball over the summer, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Ball has been in and out of the lineup for Charlotte this season, as he’s missed nine games due to ankle and knee issues. His numbers have been down as a result, as his 19.4 points per game this season is his lowest average since his rookie year. He’s shooting 38.6% from the field and 28.5% from three.
The Hornets’ star has battled injuries thought his career. He missed 35 games last season due to an ankle injury and only played 58 total games from 2022-2024.
Ball, a 2022 NBA All-Star selection, has averaged 20.9 points, 6 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game in his career. He’s shot 41.9% from the field, 35.9% on 3-pointers and 84% from the free throw line.
Ball, who’s making over $37.9 million this season, is under contract with the Hornets through the 2028-29 season. He signed a 5-year, $203.5 million rookie extension with Charlotte in the summer of 2023.
The trade would likely have to include either Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley or R.J. Barrett to match Ball’s high salary number. Toronto is over the cap this season.
The hypothetical move would have massive ramifications on the playoff race. The Raptors (16-11) are third in the Eastern Conference, 5.5 games behind the Detroit Pistons.
December 15th marked the unofficial start of NBA trade season, as most players who inked new deals this offseason are now trade eligible.
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