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Report Says LaMelo Ball Is Open to Leaving Hornets as Guard Pushes Back Online

No trade request has been filed.

Overview

  • Yahoo Sports reported multiple league sources say Ball is increasingly frustrated and would consider a move, and that Charlotte’s front office is hesitant to keep him as a long‑term cornerstone.
  • LaMelo Ball publicly disputed the report by quote‑tweeting it with a clown emoji on X, signaling disagreement with the characterization.
  • The Hornets are 4–11 after Ball was benched for the final 4:32 of a loss to the Pacers; he has played nine games with a right ankle issue, averaging 21.6 points and 9.6 assists on career‑low shooting percentages.
  • Ball’s contract pays $37.9 million this season with more than $130 million due over the following three years, a factor outlets note would complicate trade talks.
  • A follow‑up from Yahoo Sports noted Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer says Charlotte is not looking to move Ball right now, even as outside speculation about potential destinations circulates.