Western Conference team inquired about Hornets' LaMelo Ball at deadline

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball received interest at the trade deadline from a Western Conference contender.

NBA insider Chris Haynes reported Thursday that the Minnesota Timberwolves asked the Hornets about Ball.

"They checked in with Charlotte and were trying to figure out a way to see if anything could materialize," Haynes said. 

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Ball has been a catalyst for the Hornets' midseason turnaround. Charlotte has won eight straight games for the first time since 1999. The Hornets are 24-28 after a 4-14 start to the season.

Ball is averaging 19.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and a team-high 7.5 assists this season. The former All-Star has already played in 42 games this season after playing in 47 games last season. 

Hornets General Manager Jeff Peterson decided to keep his veteran core intact past the deadline, opting for smaller moves to improve the team's depth.

"Jeff Peterson, he wants to give this core group time to gel and figure things out," Haynes said. "That's why he didn't trade any members of the core. They want to see what they can accomplish for the duration of the season."

Peterson added Coby White, Xavier Tillman and Malaki Branham to the Hornets' roster. White, who was acquired from the Chicago Bulls, figures to be an important piece for Charlotte. He can slide into the backup point guard spot behind Ball.

Charlotte recently passed the Bulls for the 10 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Hornets are 2.5 games behind the Atlanta Hawks, who they will face on Saturday.

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