Hornets Reportedly Not Shopping LaMelo Ball Despite Outside Interest
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NBA insider Jake Fischer said Thursday night that the Charlotte Hornets are not trying to trade guard LaMelo Ball, countering earlier speculation that the All-Star could be on the move before the February 5 trade deadline.
During a November 20 Bleacher Report livestream, Fischer explained that multiple league sources told him Charlotte “is not actively looking to move LaMelo Ball any time soon.” He added that while rival front offices are preparing for the possibility the 23-year-old might become available, that scenario is “not currently the case.”
Fischer’s report pushes back on a Yahoo Sports story published earlier Thursday by Kelly Iko, which said Ball had grown frustrated with the organization and that the Hornets were open to fielding offers.
According to Fischer, key figures inside the franchise—including Ball, the coaching staff and team executives—want to evaluate the roster once Brandon Miller returns from injury before considering major changes. “LaMelo Ball is not asking out, to my understanding,” Fischer said.
The Hornets are not the only club facing speculation about a star guard. Fischer noted that executives around the league are also monitoring injured former All-Stars Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies and Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks.
Separately, Marc Stein reported on Substack that the Hornets, Grizzlies and Hawks have each denied any intention of listening to offers for their maximum-salary point guards. Stein also wrote that some rival teams remain skeptical and believe at least one of the three players could become available in the coming months.
Source: Hoops Rumors
