NBA Trade Rumors: Hornets Willing to Ship LaMelo Ball Amid Ex-ROY's Mounting Frustration with Team’s Rough 4–11 Start

The Charlotte Hornets, led by LaMelo Ball, have struggled this season and are currently 4-11 in the 2025–26 NBA season. The Hornets have suffered their fourth-straight loss on Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers. According to NBA insider Kelly Iko, Ball has grown "increasingly frustrated" with the lack of success in Charlotte.

Iko reported that the 2021 Rookie of the Year is open to trade away from the franchise. This season, Ball has been limited to just nine games due to an ankle injury. The one-time All-Star is averaging 21.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 9.6 assists on 38.5% shooting.

"League sources say the front office is increasingly hesitant about cementing Ball as a long-term foundational piece, has become disillusioned with the 24-year-old and is open to moving him," Iko wrote.

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"Ball has appeared in just nine games this season due to a right ankle injury. Despite Charlotte’s slow start, there have been a few bright spots, notably the impressive early performances from rookies Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner."

LaMelo Ball hasn't had notable success with the Hornets since he started his career. Injuries have played a major role in his not having a single postseason appearance. Last season, the former Chino Hills star only played in 47 games. The year before that, he only suited up in 22 games.

The 6-foot-7 guard is 24 and has a lot of potential to develop into a star. Ball is still under contract with the Hornets and has three more years in his five-year, $260 million extension.

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Which teams could trade for LaMelo Ball?

LaMelo Ball is talented enough to attract interest from other clubs and maybe finalize a trade with the Hornets. Now that Ball is open to moving on from the organization, here are two teams that could make a move to acquire him.

Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets are in the Kevin Durant era and would prefer to make the most of KD's time. Before the start of the season, the Rockets' starting point guard, Fred VanVleet, suffered a torn ACL.

This could be the sign to acquire a capable facilitator before the playoffs start. With Ball, Houston can still use their big lineup, since he's one of the bigger backcourt players.

Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies could soon look to trade All-Star guard Ja Morant. During the season, there were reports about Morant and the coaching staff not seeing eye-to-eye. This could be a way for the point guard to be traded.

The Grizzlies are ideal for LaMelo Ball. The team has enough help with Jaren Jackson Jr. and a young Zach Edey. A guard swap with Memphis and Charlotte could fix their respective franchises' problems with their point guards.

Edited by Reign Amurao