In arguably the biggest bombshell since Giannis Antetokounmpo was shipped to the Miami Heat, it was revealed on Wednesday that the Charlotte Hornets are engaged in trade talks involving LaMelo Ball.
ESPN's Shams Charania broke the story, noting that multiple teams are “strongly pursuing” the flashy guard. The development seemingly came out of nowhere, especially considering Ball just led the Hornets to their best campaign in recent memory.
Charlotte was just a win away from ending its nine-year drought in the playoffs, falling short in the Play-In Tournament.
Now, in another surprise, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the Milwaukee Bucks explored a trade with the Hornets for Ball before they moved Antetokounmpo.
“Sources say the Milwaukee Bucks have also registered trade interest recently in LaMelo Ball, but that has dated back to when the Bucks looked at him as a potential addition to Giannis Antetokounmpo,” said Fischer on X.
The 24-year-old Ball played 72 games this season, the second-most of his injury-riddled career. He averaged 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.2 steals. The Hornets tallied a 44-38 record, their most wins in a decade.
Ball has three years left on his contract and is eligible to sign a two-year extension worth $119.2 million, as noted by ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk.
More details to come.
