NBA insider Shams Charania ended the draft night with a shocking report claiming the Charlotte Hornets were fielding offers for LaMelo Ball. The point guard was in the trade chatter during the February deadline, but Charlotte stayed put. Ball went on to have one of his most impactful seasons and nearly led the team to the NBA playoffs.
He averaged 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.1 assists, shooting 40.7% from the field, including 36.8% from three-point range, while playing a career-high 72 games. The Hornets won 44 games and finished ninth in the Eastern Conference. Here’s what Charania said on ESPN’s NBA draft show on Wednesday about the trade rumors on Ball:
“Multiple teams are strongly pursuing LaMelo Ball right now. The Hornets are engaged, I’m told. Ball had a strong finish to the season that mirrored the Hornets’ rise over the course of the last calendar year. Both sides have been in a good place. Ball does want to be in Charlotte, I’m told. But this is an organization fielding some aggressive offers. If the price is met, he could very well be on the move. This is a developing story potentially over the next 24-48 hours”
Ball’s value could be at an all-time high, which explains why the Hornets might want to take the gamble and get more young pieces around the duo of Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel.
However, fans were shocked at this breaking story. Here are some of the reactions:
Timberwolves linked to LaMelo Ball: Report
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been linked to LaMelo Ball after Shams Charania’s sensational report about the Charlotte Hornets fielding offers for the former All-Star emerged. According to insider Marc Stein, the Timberwolves have “heavy” interest in pairing the former No. 3 pick with his draft’s No. 1 pick, Anthony Edwards.
The Timberwolves need a new co-star for Anthony Edwards, especially someone at the point guard position. On Monday, they traded Julius Randle to the Nets in a salary-dumping move, which sets things up perfectly for them to acquire Ball from the Hornets.
Minnesota will face stiff competition as insider Michael Scotto reported that the Toronto Raptors are also eyeing LaMelo Ball. The Raptors may have a better offer as they have more picks and player assets to offer.
Read more:
- No. 1 NBA Draft Pick AJ Dybantsa Drops 4-Word Reply for New Teammate Trae Young’s Jersey Comment
- Fans Convinced LeBron James Is Leaving the Lakers After Austin Reaves Lands Massive 5 Million Extension
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in the NBA, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
