The Charlotte Hornets surprised fans by trading LaMelo Ball, and now the franchise is seemingly poised to make another move. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Boston Celtics are looking to move Jaylen Brown and their interest in Charlotte’s Naz Reid could put the Hornets in a strong position to land Brown.
During talks with Minnesota over a potential Brown trade, Boston had reportedly expressed interest in Reid. Now that Reid is in Charlotte after being included in Ball’s trade to Minnesota, the Celtics have renewed their interest in the center.
“Reid once again was brought up in talks for Brown after joining the Hornets, HoopsHype has learned,” Scotto wrote. “Charlotte has also gauged the trade market value of forward Miles Bridges, who’s on an expiring $22.83 million deal. His salary would be needed to make any Brown trade work with Charlotte. With that said, exploratory talks with the Hornets have cooled.”
The Hornets are also reportedly exploring options for Miles Bridges, who is on an expiring contract.
“LaMelo Ball had next to no value a year ago” – ESPN analyst believes Hornets won the trade
ESPN analyst Tim MacMahon delivered his verdict after the Hornets moved LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to Minnesota in exchange for Naz Reid and major draft assets. MacMahon suggested that Ball did not have trade value in the 2024-25 season due to his recurring injuries. However, Ball played 72 games this past season, averaging 20.1 points and 7.1 assists.
“Almost consensus in the people I talk to in the league has been that LaMelo Ball had next to no value a year ago,” Mcmahon said. “and as soon as he had value, [they] pounced on the opportunity to move him.”
The Hornets are building around Kon Knueppel after his strong rookie season, but it remains to be seen whether the trade will prove fruitful.
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