Hornets currently not shopping LaMelo Ball, insiders say
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The Charlotte Hornets are not exploring trade options for guard LaMelo Ball, according to information shared Thursday by NBA reporter Jake Fischer on his Bleacher Report livestream.
Fischer’s comments came shortly after a Yahoo Sports story suggested Ball had grown frustrated with the franchise and was open to a move. Following multiple calls, Fischer said the sentiment inside the organization was different, stating, “I can tell you with absolute certainty that the Hornets are not actively looking to move LaMelo Ball any time soon.”
Team sources told Fischer that Ball, the coaching staff and front-office executives prefer to evaluate the roster once rookie Brandon Miller returns from injury before considering major decisions.
“LaMelo Ball is not asking out, to my understanding, and the Hornets are not actively looking to trade him by any stretch right now,” Fischer added.
The report noted that rival clubs are also monitoring the situations of injured guards Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies) and Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks). Both franchises have publicly denied interest in trading their All-Star guards.
Veteran NBA journalist Marc Stein echoed those denials in his latest newsletter, writing that the Hornets, Grizzlies and Hawks have each indicated they will not entertain offers for their max-contract backcourt stars. Nonetheless, some opposing teams remain skeptical and believe one of the three guards could become available before the league’s February trade deadline.
Source: Hoops Wire
