Overview
- Yahoo Sports reported that Ball is frustrated and open to a move and that Charlotte’s front office has grown hesitant about building around him.
- LaMelo Ball responded by posting a clown emoji on X and later told reporters the story was 'false info' and that he loves being in Charlotte.
- Multiple insiders, including Jake Fischer and Marc Stein, say the Hornets are not actively shopping Ball, and the team has conveyed no desire to trade him right now.
- Rival executives are nevertheless preparing in case Ball becomes available, though his $168.8 million remaining salary, a 15% trade kicker, injury history and efficiency dip could limit the market.
- Ball has played nine games with a right ankle issue, posting career-low shooting but a career-high 9.6 assists, as Charlotte starts 4–11 and evaluates lineups featuring Brandon Miller and rookie Kon Knueppel.