Here’s a trade scenario that’s got NBA fans buzzing-and for good reason. It’s a three-team hypothetical that would send LaMelo Ball to Dallas, Klay Thompson to the Lakers, and Rui Hachimura to Charlotte.
No, it’s not official. But it’s the kind of move that makes you stop scrolling and start thinking: *Could this actually work?
Let’s break it down.
The Trade Framework:
- Dallas Mavericks receive: LaMelo Ball
- Los Angeles Lakers receive: Klay Thompson
- Charlotte Hornets receive: Rui Hachimura
Now, let’s unpack what this would mean for each team.
Dallas Mavericks: LaMelo Ball Joins Luka
The Mavericks are in a rough spot. At 6-15, they’re still missing Kyrie Irving, and the offense has looked disjointed without a secondary creator next to Luka Dončić.
Enter LaMelo Ball-an electric playmaker who’s averaging 19.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 8.5 assists. He’s a dynamic ball-handler who can stretch the floor, push the pace, and take pressure off Luka in the halfcourt.
There’s been talk that Ball might be open to a fresh start, although he’s publicly denied wanting out. But the Hornets are 6-14 and still spinning their wheels in the Eastern Conference. If there’s a window for a reset, this might be it.
For Dallas, pairing Luka with LaMelo would be a gamble-but a fascinating one. It’s not every day you get two high-IQ playmakers who can both initiate and finish plays.
The question would be fit: Can they coexist without stepping on each other’s toes? And how would the defense hold up?
Still, with their current trajectory, the Mavs might be willing to roll the dice on upside.
Los Angeles Lakers: Klay Comes to Hollywood
The Lakers are rolling at 15-4, but that doesn’t mean they’re standing pat. Adding Klay Thompson-yes, that Klay Thompson-would be a reunion of sorts. He’s a former teammate of Dončić’s from their time in Dallas, and the Lakers reportedly came close to landing him before he chose the Mavs.
This version of Klay isn’t the same as the one who lit up scoreboards in Golden State, but he still brings something the Lakers could use: spacing and championship experience. Even in a reduced role, his presence on the perimeter would open up lanes for LeBron and AD, and he knows how to play off stars.
The Lakers have been looking for one more piece to put them over the top. If Klay can stay healthy and find rhythm in a more defined role, this could be a sneaky-good move for a team with title aspirations.
Charlotte Hornets: A Rebuild Piece in Rui
If Charlotte’s ready to pivot away from LaMelo, Rui Hachimura is an intriguing return. He’s been excellent for the Lakers this season, averaging 14.8 points while shooting a blistering 54.5% from the field and 46.1% from three. He’s on an expiring deal, which gives the Hornets flexibility, but he’s also young enough to be part of a longer-term plan if they choose to re-sign him.
For a team still trying to find its identity, adding a versatile forward with scoring upside isn’t the worst outcome-especially if they’re resetting the clock on a rebuild. Rui’s ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions gives Charlotte a different look, and his recent production suggests he’s ready for a bigger role.
Would the League Approve This?
Probably not. These kinds of three-team deals rarely make it past the rumor mill.
There are a lot of moving parts, financial hurdles, and egos to manage. But from a basketball perspective?
It’s not crazy.
Dallas gets the secondary creator they desperately need. The Lakers add a proven shooter with playoff pedigree. And Charlotte leans into a new direction with a young, efficient forward and financial flexibility.
It’s the kind of trade that might not happen-but definitely gets people talking. And in today’s NBA, sometimes that’s half the battle.