Hornets Won't Hesitate To Trade LaMelo Ball If Things Continue To Sour, Says NBA Insider

LaMelo Ball, the former All-Star, could soon be on the trade block as the Hornets undergo a major change in the front office and new talent is added to the roster. Drafted by the front office that listened to its owner back then, Michael Jordan, Ball seems to have fallen in value in the eyes of the new front office and ownership. 

While analyzing the Hornets' roster, Kevin O'Connor, Yahoo Sports' NBA Insider, spoke about LaMelo Ball's future with the team on the latest episode of his own podcast, 'The Kevin O'Connor Show,' and dropped a bombshell update.  

“I do know one thing, a new front office, new ownership, they would not hesitate to move on from LaMelo Ball if he continues to sour over the remainder of this contract,” said O'Connor while addressing how the Hornets' new front office perceives Ball. 

This comment raised a few eyebrows among NBA fans who suggested that the front office would make a big mistake if they traded Ball away. Not only would they lose an All-Star caliber player who is the face of their franchise, but they would also end up paying him to leave, as his contract contains a 15% trade kicker clause. 

NBA fans took to social media and expressed their opinions on Ball potentially being put on the trade block. While some thought it would be a big mistake, a majority seemed to feel that LaMelo Ball would realize his true potential upon leaving the Hornets.   

"LaMelo Ball is hearing that his antics can finally free him from this cursed franchise."

"LaMelo already said he ignores all this type of chirping & wants to win with the Hornets. He ain’t leaving anytime soon, so calm down, folks."

"F**k the coach too. Trade this man. He deserves better than this poverty franchise."

"Makes sense, they’ve basically been in the same position since drafting him. I understand he and other players have had injuries, but I think their departure is great for both parties involved. The only thing is, I don’t think they’re gonna get their expected value for him."

"Tbf I don’t think Lamelo ever wanted to be in Charlotte"

"He has had dogs*** around him his whole career lol."

Following his last All-Star appearance in 2022, Ball's performance has deteriorated mainly due to injuries and thus hasn't performed in line with his expectations over the past two seasons. 

In 2024-25, he averaged 25.2 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 33.9% from three-point range over 47 games played. While at first glance those still seem like All-Star numbers, Ball has consistently failed to play over 50 games in a single season over the last three years since his All-Star selection.   

A potential landing spot for LaMelo Ball could be the Celtics as they look to rebuild after losing Jayson Tatum for the season, and Jaylen Brown is open to considering a move to the Hawks. With that in mind, the Celtics seemed like the perfect destination for Ball, and we discussed a potential trade to that effect in another article. 

Therefore, Ball's injury concerns could soon become a test of the Hornets' front office's patience. It will be interesting to see if the Hornets decide to trade their franchise player and what value the market gives them back if they do.