LaMelo Ball Draws Serious Trade Interest as Hornets Field Offers
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The Charlotte Hornets are actively discussing potential trades involving All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Multiple clubs have submitted aggressive proposals, and league sources told Charania there is a realistic possibility the 22-year-old could be moved if a team meets Charlotte’s price.
Additional reporting from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer identified the Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors as two of the most engaged suitors. Fischer noted that Ball had been eager to return to Charlotte after helping the Hornets reach last season’s play-in tournament, but confirmed that trade talks are indeed ongoing.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that Toronto’s pursuit dates back to last summer, with the Raptors recently reopening conversations with Charlotte. Salary-cap analyst Yossi Gozlan added that Minnesota might attempt to fold Ball into the three-team agreement already sending Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets, a maneuver that would likely require the Timberwolves to attach additional salary, young talent, and draft capital.
League observers believe prying Ball away from the Hornets will demand a substantial package, yet the growing interest has placed him among the most closely watched names of the offseason.
Source: Hoops Wire
