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Reports: LaMelo Ball and Hornets Open to Exploring Trade After Benching

League reports describe mutual openness to a deal following a benching that sharpened questions about Ball’s fit in Charlotte.

Overview

  • Yahoo Sports, citing multiple league sources, reports Ball is open to a move and the front office is receptive as Charlotte sits 4-11.
  • Ball was benched for the final 4:32 of Wednesday’s 127-119 loss to the 2-13 Pacers after shooting 5-for-21 with six turnovers.
  • Through nine games, he has career-low efficiency at 38.5% from the field and 29.8% from three but a career-best 9.6 assists, with Charlotte +17.3 per 100 possessions when he plays, per Cleaning the Glass.
  • His five-year, $260 million deal through 2029 and recurring ankle issues could limit his market, and no trade agreement or team confirmation has been announced.
  • Ball responded to the report with a clown emoji on social media as coverage details friction with coach Charles Lee’s slower system and notes questions about his on-court comportment.