The Charlotte Hornets continue to slide, dropping seven of their last eight games and falling to 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 4-11 record. Injuries have once again played a major role in their struggles. Rookie Brandon Miller remains sidelined, having missed 13 games, while LaMelo Ball only recently returned from a six-game absence.
Ball’s return has been bumpy. In his first three games back, he has not shot better than 33.3 percent from the field. His toughest outing came in Charlotte’s most recent loss, a 5-for-21 performance including six turnovers against the Indiana Pacers, who entered the matchup with just one win on the season. Following the defeat, reports surfaced indicating Ball was “frustrated” with the situation in Charlotte and possibly open to a trade.
NBA insider Jake Fischer pushed back on the notion that the Hornets are preparing to move their star guard. Speaking on the matter, Fischer said he believes any potential trade is not something the franchise is considering in the short term. “I can tell you with absolute certainty that the Charlotte Hornets are not actively looking to move LaMelo Ball anytime soon,” Fischer said. “They want to see what this group could look like with Brandon Miller actually in the fold, with a full lineup—especially with Kon Knueppel being an immediate sniper.”
Given Miller’s extended absence, it makes sense that Charlotte would want a clearer evaluation of its roster before contemplating a major move involving a former All-Star. With the Hornets realistically competing for a Play-In spot at best, the organization has time to assess its options.
Miller is currently listed as a game-time decision for Saturday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. If Charlotte’s outlook does not improve once the roster is healthy, conversations about Ball’s future could resurface before season’s end.
More Hornets news:
- Is Kon Knueppel emerging as the new face of the Hornets?
- Kon Knueppel reaches multiple milestones in Charlotte's loss vs. Indiana
- Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel nearing Larry Bird-level efficiency
- Hornets turn frontcourt question mark into early season advantage
- Hometown hero: Kon Knueppel scores career-high 32 in Milwaukee return