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Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

Is the LaMelo Ball era ending in Charlotte? Three potential landing spots for Hornets star guard

By Trae Williams | Last updated Nov 21, 2025 11:21 AM ET

The LaMelo Ball era with the Charlotte Hornets might be nearing its end. According to Yahoo NBA reporter Kelly Iko, the 24-year-old, one-time All-Star guard has “grown increasingly frustrated” with the Hornets (4-11) and is open to a trade.

Ball — who has played in only nine games this season because of a right ankle injury — is still Charlotte’s top talent. He is averaging 21.6 points, 9.6 assists, 6.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals this season.

But his situation is complicated: The same Yahoo report notes the Hornets’ front office has become “disillusioned” with him and may be ready to move on. Meanwhile, Ball responded to the rumors on social media with a clown-emoji, casting doubt on how serious he is about leaving.

"I love being here," Ball said Friday after practice, per the Associated Press. "I ain't saying nothing. I'm just trying to win, that's it. That's what we're going to keep doing."

If the Hornets were to deal Ball, here are three potential landing spots. (All stats and records are through Thursday.)

Los Angeles Clippers: LaMelo Ball A future star in L.A.?

The struggling Clippers (4-11) desperately need to inject youth into an old roster. Ball would give them the young point guard they lack and could form an intriguing offensive pairing with James Harden, 36, the team’s leading scorer (26.5 points per game).

Ball’s scoring and playmaking could help energize a Clippers team trying to climb back into playoff contention in the highly competitive Western Conference, where several teams are jockeying for position behind reigning champ Oklahoma City (15-1).

Minnesota Timberwolves: A win-now trade for LaMelo Ball?

The Timberwolves (10-5) are firmly in the Western Conference mix and look capable of a deep playoff run. Adding Ball would position them for sustained success, giving Minnesota another high-level playmaker to pair with its young core of superstar Anthony Edwards (25.2 PPG) and Jaden McDaniels (17.5 PPG).

Minnesota has the assets to pursue a deal, and Ball’s playmaking could help push the Wolves into the true title-contender tier with Oklahoma City, Denver (11-3), Houston (10-3) and others.

Orlando Magic: A sleeper move for LaMelo Ball?

The Magic (9-7) are a sleeper team in any Ball trade sweepstakes. They have a young, hungry roster that may be a high-level playmaker away from joining the East’s top tier alongside Detroit (13-2), Toronto (10-5), New York (9-5) and Cleveland (10-6). Ball would raise Orlando’s ceiling by pairing with Paolo Banchero (21.7 PPG) and — if he’s not included in the deal — Franz Wagner (22.6 PPG).

Why the LaMelo Ball trade makes sense

Ball is ready to win and compete for championships — something that's not happening in Charlotte, a franchise that hasn’t finished above .500 since going 43–39 in 2022.

A move to any of the three destinations could redefine his career and reset the trajectory of whichever team acquires him. With his young talent and high ceiling, Ball could easily add a few more All-Star appearances to his résumé.

Trae Williams

Trae Williams, a Fort Worth native, is a lifelong fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Mavericks, and Texas Rangers. His passion for basketball, football, and baseball led him to compete in both basketball and football during his youth. Since 2023, he has been covering sports in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

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