A bold three-team trade proposal has surfaced involving some big names and even bigger implications: Klay Thompson, LaMelo Ball, and the LA Lakers are all in the mix. With the Dallas Mavericks and Charlotte Hornets struggling to find traction early this season, this hypothetical deal aims to shake up the status quo - and potentially tilt the balance of power in the Western Conference.
The Trade Breakdown
Here’s how the proposed deal would go down:
- Dallas Mavericks receive: LaMelo Ball
- Los Angeles Lakers receive: Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford
- Charlotte Hornets receive: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, Max Christie, Gabe Vincent, and a 2029 first-round pick
Let’s unpack what this means for each team - and why this kind of move, if it ever came to fruition, could change the landscape.
Why Dallas Would Make This Move
For the Mavericks, who’ve stumbled out of the gate at 6-15, this trade would be about reloading - not rebuilding. LaMelo Ball gives them a true lead guard, a dynamic playmaker with elite vision and the ability to push the pace, which Dallas has sorely lacked with Kyrie Irving sidelined by an ACL injury.
Ball’s fit next to Luka Dončić is intriguing. While both are ball-dominant, Ball’s ability to play off the ball and create in transition could open up new dimensions for Dallas' offense. He’d also take some of the playmaking load off Dončić, potentially preserving Luka’s legs for the long haul.
And then there’s the long-term angle: this move would pair Dončić with a young, high-upside guard in Ball, giving Dallas a two-headed backcourt that could grow together - or, at the very least, buy them some breathing room in the present.
The Lakers' Win-Now Play
The Lakers are red-hot right now, sitting at 15-4 and riding a seven-game win streak. So why mess with success? Because even good teams look for ways to get better - especially when they’ve got LeBron James and a championship window that won’t stay open forever.
Klay Thompson, despite a dip in production, still brings gravity as a shooter. The Lakers rank just 25th in threes made per game (11.6) and 21st in percentage (35.0%).
That’s not going to cut it in a Western Conference loaded with perimeter firepower. Thompson’s presence would stretch defenses, open driving lanes for LeBron and Austin Reaves, and give the Lakers a proven playoff performer who knows what it takes to win.
It’s also worth noting that LA reportedly pursued Thompson in 2024 before he landed in Dallas on a three-year, $50 million deal. So this would be more of a reunion-that-never-was than a random acquisition.
And don’t sleep on Daniel Gafford. He’s a high-energy big who can run the floor, protect the rim, and finish lobs - a perfect bench complement to Deandre Ayton. Gafford and Thompson together would give the Lakers depth and shooting, two areas they’ve been trying to bolster since last season.
Charlotte's Long-Term Haul
For the Hornets, this deal would be about hitting reset - and doing it with a decent return. LaMelo Ball has reportedly been open to a trade, and if Charlotte is ready to pivot, this package gives them both cap flexibility and young assets.
Rui Hachimura is the headliner here. He’s on a three-year, $51 million deal and has shown flashes as a versatile forward who can score in bunches.
Dalton Knecht and Max Christie are intriguing young wings, and Gabe Vincent brings veteran stability in the backcourt. Add in a 2029 first-round pick, and the Hornets would be betting on long-term growth over short-term results.
For a team stuck near the bottom of the standings at 6-14, this could be the kind of foundational shift they need - especially if Ball’s departure was becoming inevitable.
Final Thoughts
This trade is still just a proposal, but it checks a lot of boxes for all sides. Dallas gets a young star to pair with Luka.
The Lakers add shooting and depth for a title push. Charlotte cashes in on a disgruntled franchise player and gets a chance to retool.
It’s the kind of deal that could ripple across the league - not just because of the names involved, but because of what it signals: teams are already thinking about the postseason, about the future, and about how to stay ahead in a league that never stops moving.