If the Charlotte Hornets end up making franchise star LaMelo Ball available, these three teams stand out as potential landing spots.
The Hornets took a big step in the right direction this season by almost making the playoffs. Rookie Kon Knueppel showed that the team can do so much more around him than Ball. Due to this, it would be understandable if Charlotte looked to offload its franchise star to build the team around Knueppel.
According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, the Hornets were actively engaged in trade discussions for LaMelo Ball.
“Ball does want to be in Charlotte, I’m told,” Charania said. “But this is an organization fielding some aggressive offers. So if the price is met, he could very well be on the move.”
While Ball’s name has not been actively reported in trade talks before, he could be a star guard to keep an eye on this summer if the Hornets decide to shake up their roster.
The 24-year-old had a banner year, appearing in 72 games – the most in his career since his sophomore season. The Hornets would get a massive trade return if he decided he wanted a change of scenery. The former Rookie of the Year remains one of the top guards in the league when playing at his best.
Let’s look at three teams that could pursue Ball this offseason if the Hornets decide to shop him.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves could be a team to keep an eye on when it comes to LaMelo Ball this offseason. After a tough 2025-26 season derailed by significant injury troubles, they should be open to making bold moves this summer. Bringing in Ball would solidify their offensive picture for the next few years. If they are unable to pair Anthony Edwards with another star guard who can take a bit of the scoring and playmaking load off his shoulders, they are going to have a huge hole to address in their backcourt.
Ball has the potential to be a consistent 25-point threat if he joins forces with his fellow 2020 draft classmate. By pairing the two, Minnesota could give itself another legitimate chance to go deep into the playoffs and contend for a championship.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors could be another team to watch when it comes to LaMelo Ball this summer. Toronto desperately needs to improve its roster if it hopes to make a deeper playoff run next year, especially given how its postseason ended.
One of the front office’s top priorities is adding a high-impact scorer and rim-protecting threat. Acquiring Ball and pairing him with Scottie Barnes would make for a highly entertaining duo. Fortunately for Toronto, they have the necessary assets, including future first-round picks and intriguing young players, to get the deal done.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks could also be a strong landing spot for Ball this offseason. Milwaukee took a massive step this season by trading franchise icon Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat for players and assets, and they could use a player like Ball to ignite their next era. He would slot perfectly into the Bucks’ new, young core.
The Bucks have the players they got from the Giannis trade to make this deal happen, so it will be interesting to see whether they pursue him.
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