The Charlotte Hornets aren’t in any rush to move LaMelo Ball - and they shouldn’t be. Despite the inevitable trade chatter that swirls around any young star on a struggling team, all signs point to the Hornets riding things out with their franchise point guard at least through the end of the season. But that hasn’t stopped the trade machine from spinning, and one of the more eyebrow-raising proposals to surface recently involves a straight-up swap: LaMelo Ball for James Harden.
Yes, that James Harden.
The idea, floated by Bill Simmons, suggests the Hornets could benefit from adding the veteran guard to a roster that already includes promising pieces like Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller, and Miles Bridges. The theory goes like this: Harden’s playmaking, floor spacing, and sheer offensive gravity could elevate the supporting cast and help Charlotte claw its way into the play-in mix.
But here’s the thing - if this deal is about anything other than clearing LaMelo’s salary, it’s hard to see how it moves the Hornets forward.
Let’s break it down.
The Harden Side of the Equation
There’s no denying Harden still has value. He’s a former MVP, one of the best isolation scorers of his era, and a gifted facilitator who can still put defenses in tough spots.
On a team with young, developing talent, a player like Harden could, in theory, provide structure and spacing. His presence could open up driving lanes for Bridges, create better looks for Knueppel, and give Miller a veteran to lean on.
But Harden is also 36 years old. He holds a $42.3 million player option for next season, and it’s unclear whether he’d opt in or test the waters in free agency - waters that might not be all that welcoming at this stage of his career.
If he declines the option and walks, the Hornets are left with nothing but cap space. And realistically, Charlotte isn’t exactly a free-agent magnet.
That space could sit idle while the team regresses.
If Harden opts in, you’re paying top dollar for a player whose best years are behind him - and you’re still likely stuck in the middle of the pack. That’s not the kind of move that builds long-term success. That’s chasing short-term relevance at the expense of a foundational piece.
LaMelo’s Value - and the Bigger Picture
LaMelo Ball is under contract through 2029. He’s still just 24 and, when healthy, one of the most dynamic young guards in the league.
His vision, creativity, and flair make him not only a fan favorite but a legitimate building block. And while injuries have slowed his momentum at times, the upside remains massive.
Alongside Knueppel and Miller, Ball forms a trio that’s shown real promise. There’s chemistry developing, and more importantly, there's a timeline that makes sense. This is a young core that could grow together - and under new executive Jeff Peterson, the Hornets have made it clear they’re building for sustained success, not just a quick playoff cameo.
Trading Ball for Harden doesn’t just mess with that timeline - it blows it up entirely.
If Charlotte ever does decide to move on from LaMelo, the return has to include either high-end young talent or significant draft capital. That’s the kind of package that resets a franchise or accelerates a rebuild.
Harden, for all his credentials, doesn’t check either box. And with the Clippers unable to trade a first-round pick until 2030, there’s no draft incentive to sweeten the deal.
What’s Next for the Hornets?
For now, Ball isn’t going anywhere - and that’s the right call. The Hornets have something brewing with their young core, and while it’s far from a finished product, the potential is real. There’s no reason to hit the panic button just to clear salary or chase a short-term bump in the standings.
That said, the trade deadline is approaching, and the NBA rumor mill never sleeps. Ball’s name will continue to surface in speculation, especially with his hometown ties to Southern California and the allure of a bigger market. But unless a team comes calling with a deal that reflects his true value - both as a player and as a brand - the Hornets would be wise to stay the course.
Because if the goal is to build something sustainable in Charlotte, it starts with keeping your stars - not flipping them for aging ones.