Lamelo Ball has indicated frustration with the Charlotte Hornets franchise and is willing to be traded, according to Kelly Iko of Yahoo! Sports.
Following the Hornets’ disappointing road loss to the 2-13 Indiana Pacers — their fourth straight, dropping Charlotte to 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 4-11 record — star guard LaMelo Ball has grown increasingly frustrated with the organization and is open to a trade away from the franchise, multiple league sources told Yahoo Sports.
The same report
notes that the Hornets’ front office has become “increasingly hesitant” to build around Ball, and are also amicable to trading the former all-Star.
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. 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.
The request comes after a 4-11 start for the Hornets, who have been in the lottery every year since Ball was drafted 3rd overall in 2020.
This season, Ball has averaged 21 points, 7 rebounds, and nearly 10 assists. These impressive totals coincide with 38.5% shooting from the field, and 29.8% from three – both career lows. That said, Ball’s combination of size and talent will undoubtedly draw suitors, but at what price?
