Three potential trade destinations for LaMelo Ball 

The Charlotte Hornets drafted point guard LaMelo Ball with the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft in hopes of bringing a legitimate franchise asset to a lowly organization. However, it is fair to say Ball's tenure in Charlotte has not gone as planned.

Ball's lack of durability has been a huge concern. Since 2020, Ball has only played in 247 games out of a possible 426 (57 percent). The 2020 first-round pick has dealt with recurring injuries that include his ankles and wrists. However, when healthy, Ball has shown flashes that he can be amongst the association's elite. Ball earned the Rookie of the Year award and was selected to the All-Star team the following season. 

The 24-year-old's production has taken a noticeable dip this season. Ball is shooting a career-low 38.6 percent from the field and 28.5 percent from beyond the arc. Furthermore, Ball is averaging 19.9 points per game, the lowest since his rookie campaign.  

As the Hornets sit at 8-18 on the season and rumors are swirling about a potential Hornets-Ball breakup, perhaps it's time to analyze which teams could use the 24-year-old point guard. 

Milwaukee Bucks 

Milwaukee needs star power next to Giannis Antetokounmpo. Ball's shooting and passing ability can aid the 2013 first-round pick and help stretch defenders away from the paint, which is where Antetokounmpo is most dangerous. It has been reported that the two-time NBA MVP has grown frustrated, but the acquisition of a young and talented playmaker would do wonders for the future of the franchise.

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks have all-time great point guards at the forefront in head coach Jason Kidd and NBA champion Kyrie Irving. Ball being around a couple of the game's greatest could do wonders for his growth and overall mentality. Furthermore, Dallas selected Cooper Flagg in the 2025 NBA Draft, and it's evident the former Duke star is slated to be the face of the franchise for the next decade and beyond. The pairing of Flagg and Ball would make an entertaining duo. The Mavericks don't have substantial draft capital, but with Anthony Davis trade rumors floating around, they have something to bring to the table.

Portland Trailblazers

Portland is also stacked in the veteran department with Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard on the roster. Ball would get ample veteran leadership from two premier guards and could be a catalyst for a franchise that wants to contend in the Western Conference. The Trailblazers are solid defensively, but Ball can help the unit immensely offensively (20th in scoring offense). 

The Hornets seem to be very optimistic about rookie Kon Knueppel and his leadership early in his career. Knueppel is averaging 19 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists while shooting 47.2 percent from the field and 40.5 percent from beyond the arc. 

Knueppel is exhibiting evident "face of the franchise" qualities on and off the court, and Ball hasn't exactly showcased that consistently over the past six seasons of his career.