Reporter suggests Hornets trade LaMelo Ball to kickstart rebuild

The Charlotte Hornets have a new ownership group and are likely aiming to build a team capable of competing at the highest level. The franchise has some foundational building blocks, with Brandon Miller selected as the second overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. He's already showing signs of being a potential future All-Star.

However, the Hornets are LaMelo Ball's team. The flashy guard has already proven himself an All-Star talent, earning his only nod in 2022. He has the size and intangibles to develop into one of the better ball-handlers in the NBA. Unfortunately, Ball has been dealing with injury issues over the past two seasons — he's only played 22 games this season.

In his absence, Miller has been emerging as a quality young talent. He's averaging 16.5 points, four rebounds and 2.4 assists on 43.9% shooting from the field and 38.2% from 3-point range. Due to that emergence, The Athletic's Tony Jones believes the Hornets should consider parting ways with Ball and rebuilding around Miller.

"When I watch Miller play, I see a younger version of LA Clippers forward Paul George," Jones wrote. "As controversial as this will sound, I would trade Ball and build around Miller. The Hornets already secured multiple assets at the deadline with the moves they made. Trading Ball would be selling high on a terrific talent who has had issues staying healthy. He played just 36 games last season and has been limited to appearing in just 22 of the Hornets’ 56 games this year, but his star power and upside would garner enough assets to truly build around Miller."

There would undoubtedly be multiple suitors interested in acquiring Ball. When healthy, he can be a genuine difference-maker in the regular season and likely in the playoffs. The fact that Ball has a five-year contract extension of $204.4 million starting next season would likely be enticing for teams, too. They would have a star player tied down for a significant period of time. 

Charlotte is unlikely to move on from Ball. He and Miller are foundational pieces to a potential contending team. However, if his injury issues persist, he may not be the untouchable building block he's believed to be. Miller's growth over the next year or so may play a significant part in Ball's short-term future with the franchise. 

The Hornets need to be fluid with their decision-making, even if that decision was once considered unthinkable.