Hornets, Jazz Unlikely to Trade LaMelo Ball or Lauri Markkanen Before Feb. 5 Deadline
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Neither the Charlotte Hornets nor the Utah Jazz are expected to move their headline stars ahead of the Feb. 5 trade cutoff, according to league sources cited by Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
Charlotte’s position on Ball
The Hornets plan to keep LaMelo Ball through the rest of the season and revisit his long-term future during the offseason. Ball, 24, is in the first year of a maximum-salary contract that runs through the 2028/29 campaign. Through 29 appearances, he is averaging 19.9 points, 7.8 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 27.8 minutes, shooting 41.3% from the field, 37.4% from three and 87.8% at the line.
Charlotte considers only rookies Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel off-limits in trade talks, Siegel reports. Veteran guard Collin Sexton, on an expiring $19 million contract, has attracted interest from multiple clubs.
Utah’s stance on Markkanen
In Salt Lake City, Utah continues to view Lauri Markkanen as a cornerstone. The Jazz aim to field a more competitive roster in 2026/27 and do not plan to part with the 7-foot forward ahead of the deadline. Markkanen, signed through 2028/29, is producing 27.9 points, 7.0 boards, 2.2 assists and 1.0 steal per game over 32 contests while shooting 48.3% overall, 36.5% from deep and 89.2% on free throws.
Utah has also received significant interest in injured center Walker Kessler, but the team likewise considers him a key piece and is not expected to deal him in the coming weeks.
Source: Hoops Rumors
