LaMelo Ball Trade Report Emerges on Friday

Despite his standing with the franchise, trade rumors surfaced this week, triggered by a Yahoo Sports report from Kelly Iko claiming Ball has grown “increasingly frustrated” with the organization amid a disappointing 4-11 start. Ball, however, responded on social media with a single clown emoji, a dismissive gesture and an indication that he is not formally requesting a trade.

Amid the ongoing chatter, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst downplayed the likelihood of an active market for Ball on Friday’s episode of “The Hoop Collective.”

“There’s just not that many teams … that are seriously in need of a point guard,” he said. "And of those teams, let’s say there’s seven or eight who could use an upgrade.”

That’s without accounting for the financial burden of Ball’s deal. The 2021 Rookie of the Year is in the second stint of a five-year, $203 million extension, with a 2025-26 salary of $37.9 million (via Spotrac).

Injuries have also been a concern throughout his pro basketball career. Ball recently underwent right ankle surgery and a minor wrist procedure back in March 2025 and has played more than 55 games just once throughout his NBA career.

Nevertheless, Ball has remained productive on the court, averaging 21.6 points, 9.6 assists, and 6.9 rebounds this season, though his efficiency has dipped with a field-goal percentage of 38.5% and a three-point rate of 29.8%.