Why LaMelo Ball Got Traded!
We know why LaMelo got traded to the Wolves!
Video Transcript
The Hornets traded LaMelo Ball after having one of their most entertaining seasons ever, and it was actually the right decision.
While the Hornets just missed out on the playoffs last season, it was the first time in years where the Hornets looked like a team on the cusp of being a contender in the East.
They just needed a reliable center that could mesh with Ball, Kon, and Brandon Miller.
Then, in less than a week, they traded two of their longest tenured starters in Ball and Miles Bridges.
For those who have no idea why the Hornets actually cooked with these trades, it actually boils down to three reasons.
One, and probably the most obvious reason, is his health.
Before the 2025 to 2026 season, Ball struggled to stay healthy.
He was limited to 105 games the last three seasons because of different ankle and wrist injuries.
This season, he played 72 games while also playing the least amount of minutes each game for his career.
With his value probably at its peak, the Hornets did what they already thought about doing a few years ago, but instead got way more assets in return.
The second reason is OKC's blueprint.
With the Ball trade alone, the Hornets were able to solve their big man issue with Naz Reid and get the following picks; one unprotected first rounder, three second round picks, and three pick swaps that will take into effect from 2028 to 2030.
From now till 2033, the Hornets now have eight first round picks and 12 second round picks.
Assuming the Hornets follow OKC's footsteps, the Hornets most likely flip some of these picks to try and acquire more proven players that match with their timeline.
Last but not least is money.
Ball will enter just the third year of his five-year, 203 million contract next season.
The stats show he's more than worth it, but it could be a steep price to pay if you only get the LaMelo Ball experience for 30 games.
With new contract rules making it difficult for teams to retain core players and a surplus of ball handlers in the NBA, the Hornets knew they'd be in a tough situation once they become contenders if they were still tied down to Ball's $46 million salary two years from now.
While the Hornets took a step back this off-season, it's still a step in the right direction.
They gained long-term flexibility and opened multiple dimensions to become a contender instead of betting everything on one.
