LaMelo Ball Trade Rumors Swirl, But Hornets Stay Focused on the Long Game
LaMelo Ball may have missed the fourth quarter and overtime in the Hornets’ November 29 comeback win over the Raptors, but he didn’t miss the headlines. That benching-on a night when Charlotte clawed back from a 10-point deficit-sparked a fresh wave of trade chatter around the 22-year-old point guard. And when you pair that with the rise of young talents like Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel, it’s easy to see why some around the league are wondering just how committed the Hornets are to building around their franchise star.
But let’s pump the brakes for a second.
Head coach Charles Lee was quick to clarify after the game that Ball’s absence was due to a pre-planned minutes restriction, part of the team’s cautious approach to managing his ongoing ankle recovery. That explanation checks out, especially considering Ball’s recent injury history.
Still, the optics raised eyebrows. Ball played just 22 minutes in a tight game that went into overtime.
That’s not nothing.
Then came the report from HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto on December 18: the Toronto Raptors had checked in on Ball’s availability over the summer. That nugget reignited speculation, especially given the timing.
Ironically-or maybe just coincidentally-Ball ran out of the tunnel with the Raptors before their December 5 matchup in Toronto. Later that same night, he injured his ankle again and hasn’t played since.
The Raptors weren’t the only team doing their homework. The Clippers, Heat, Rockets, Mavericks, and Trail Blazers have all been linked to some level of interest in Ball.
But according to league sources, Charlotte isn’t looking to move him-at least not anytime soon. The current plan is to evaluate the team’s core through the 2026 offseason.
That means Ball, Miller, Knueppel, and the rest of the young roster are getting time to grow together, with the front office watching closely.
As for Ball himself, he hasn’t shied away from addressing the rumors. He’s publicly denied any frustration with the organization and even posted a clown emoji on social media-his way of laughing off the trade talk. He’s made it clear he’s happy in Charlotte and focused on the season ahead.
For the Hornets, Ball’s health is the top priority. When he’s on the court, he’s the engine that drives this team.
And when he’s healthy, his impact is undeniable. Just look back at the 75-game campaign that earned him an All-Star selection.
That season underscored what everyone already knows: availability is the key to unlocking his full potential.
Charlotte’s been careful with his minutes this year, reportedly limiting him to around 30 per game. In 16 appearances this season, he’s crossed the 33-minute mark just six times-and most of those came early in the year. It’s a clear sign the Hornets are playing the long game, prioritizing Ball’s durability over short-term wins.
Before his latest setback, Ball was averaging 19.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game-numbers that are slightly down from his previous seasons, but still reflect his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. He remains day-to-day with a right ankle injury, but the Hornets aren’t rushing him back.
They know what they have in LaMelo Ball. The question isn’t whether he can lead a team-it’s whether he can stay on the floor long enough to do it.
For now, all signs point to Charlotte staying the course. The trade rumors may linger, but inside the building, the focus is on development, chemistry, and keeping their star guard healthy. The Hornets aren’t just building for this season-they’re building for something bigger.