LaMelo, Ja, and Trae: Why One of These Star Guards Doesn’t Belong in the Same Conversation
Three former All-Star point guards - LaMelo Ball, Ja Morant, and Trae Young - are suddenly being grouped together in NBA trade chatter, with one Western Conference GM even floating the idea that they could be traded for each other. The thinking? Sometimes when stars fall out of favor, they get swapped in what amounts to a reshuffling of high-risk, high-reward talent.
But here’s the thing: while it’s easy to lump these three together based on position and recent turbulence, the comparison doesn’t really hold up under the microscope - especially when it comes to Trae Young.
Let’s break it down.
The Common Thread: Talent Without Team Success (This Season)
All three are dynamic point guards with All-Star credentials. And this season, none of them have done much to move the needle in the win column.
In LaMelo Ball’s case, that’s been the story of his entire six-year career - electric play, highlight passes, but not much winning to show for it. Ja Morant has had his moments, including playoff appearances, but his availability has been a major issue, whether due to injuries or off-court suspensions.
The Grizzlies have had to learn how to win without him - and in stretches, they’ve done just that.
And then there’s Trae.
Trae Young: The Outlier
While some have questioned whether the Hawks are better off without Young - especially after a 1-3 record in the four games before he went down with a sprained MCL - that’s hardly enough of a sample size to draw any sweeping conclusions. What we do know is that Trae has carried a team deep into the postseason before.
He’s not just a scorer or a flashy passer; he’s been the engine of a team that made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals. That’s a resume neither Morant nor Ball can match.
One coach put it plainly: “His offensive impact is so great.” And that’s not hyperbole.
Young’s four All-Star appearances outpace the combined total of Morant and Ball. His offensive value, measured by metrics like VORP (Value Over Replacement Player), tells a similar story - Young sits at 19.3 for his career, compared to Morant’s 11.5 and Ball’s 9.3.
That’s not just a gap - it’s a canyon.
Availability Matters - And So Does Fit
Morant has shown flashes of brilliance, no doubt. But his availability has been a recurring issue.
Even before his off-court troubles began dominating headlines, he was missing games due to injuries. When he’s on the court, he’s electric.
But that “when” has become the problem.
Ball, meanwhile, has yet to prove he can be the centerpiece of a winning team. He’s got the flair, the vision, the creativity - but none of it has translated to postseason success. Not yet, at least.
If the Hornets or Grizzlies had a shot at landing Young in exchange for their current lead guards, that’s the kind of move that could change the trajectory of a franchise. Young’s offensive ceiling is higher, and he’s already shown he can be the focal point of a playoff run.
So while it might make for a tidy narrative to group Ball, Morant, and Young together, the reality is this: one of these guards has already proven he can lead a team when it matters most - and that’s Trae.
The Chris Paul-Ty Lue Rift: What Went Wrong in LA?
The NBA world was caught off guard by the Clippers’ decision to part ways with Chris Paul - a franchise icon and future Hall of Famer. But now, we’re starting to get a clearer picture of what led to the late-night release, and it sounds like tension between Paul and head coach Ty Lue may have been the tipping point.
According to reports, Paul - who’s never been shy about holding teammates accountable - was trying to do exactly that as the Clippers stumbled through a tough stretch in the Western Conference. But that leadership style apparently clashed with Lue and others in the organization. By the end, Paul and Lue reportedly weren’t even on speaking terms.
That’s a tough pill to swallow for a team that could’ve used a steady veteran presence in the locker room. You’d think Paul’s experience and voice would help reinforce a coach’s message, not conflict with it. But clearly, something broke down behind the scenes.
And here’s the thing - this probably isn’t the last we’ll hear about it. When a player of Paul’s stature is released midseason, there’s usually more to the story. Whether it’s philosophical differences, locker room dynamics, or just two strong personalities clashing, the fallout is rarely simple.
Around the League: Quick Hits
- Chris Paul’s exit might’ve been abrupt, but it could end up being a blessing in disguise. He’ll have a chance to land somewhere that values his leadership and still has something to play for.
- As fans dissect every social media move Giannis Antetokounmpo makes, one report suggests he quietly requested a trade from the Bucks long ago. That’s a storyline worth watching - if true, it could shake up the Eastern Conference.
- Former Lakers big man Elden Campbell has passed away at 57. A steady contributor during the ‘90s, Campbell was a respected presence on and off the court. Clemson basketball confirmed the news.
- If you’ve seen the name Tom McMillen pop up in recent headlines and wondered who he is - yes, that’s the former NBA player. More details are emerging in connection with the Epstein files, and McMillen’s name has surfaced.
It’s been a wild week in the NBA - on the court, off the court, and everywhere in between. From superstar point guards in flux to legendary veterans making headlines for unexpected reasons, the league never stops moving. And as always, we’ll be here to break it all down.