LaMelo Ball on the Block
Charlotte Hornets Actively Considering Trading Star LaMelo Ball, With Raptors Leading Discussions
Key Points
A direct Quickley-for-Ball swap could anchor a potential deal, and Charlotte could supplement with one or two future first-round picks; the trade could be structured without including other contracts.
LaMelo Ball is set to turn 25 this August and has career averages above 20 points per game, while Immanuel Quickley sits around 14.4 ppg, helping explain why multiple teams see Ball as a high-ceiling upgrade.
The Toronto Raptors have a history of interest in Ball and have weighed a point-guard upgrade in the past, with Quickley previously serving as the Raptors’ preferred option before Ball emerged as a potential fit alongside Barnes.
Charlotte is reportedly fielding offers from multiple teams after the draft, indicating a broad market for Ball beyond just the Timberwolves and Raptors.
Ball is under a five-year, $203.9 million contract signed in 2023, with three seasons remaining, and is represented by Sam Permut, which factors into how teams would structure a deal.
The Charlotte Hornets are actively engaged in trade talks involving All-Star guard LaMelo Ball, just hours after the 2026 NBA Draft concluded. ESPN reported that multiple teams have submitted "aggressive" offers, with a deal potentially coming within 24 to 48 hours.
The Toronto Raptors and Minnesota Timberwolves have emerged as the two primary suitors, according to The Stein Line. Ball, who turns 25 in August, averaged 20.1 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in 72 games last season — his healthiest campaign in years.
Raptors Offer Quickley and Picks in Potential Deal
Toronto is viewed as the most likely landing spot for Ball. Heavy reports that a deal could center on guard Immanuel Quickley plus one or two future first-round picks. The trade could be structured without adding other contracts to match salaries.
The gap between the two players is significant on paper. Ball carries a career scoring average of 20.8 points per game. Quickley sits at 14.4 points per game for his career. Charlotte's offense was 11.6 points better per 100 possessions with Ball on the floor last season, per Hoops Wire.
Charlotte Bets on Miller and Knueppel Over Ball
The Hornets' willingness to move Ball marks a sharp turn. They signed him to a five-year, $203.9 million max extension in 2023. Now, the front office is reportedly eyeing a reset built around wing Brandon Miller and rookie Kon Knueppel, per The Rookie Wire.
Knueppel, drafted 4th overall in 2025 out of Duke, averaged 18.5 points and shot 41% from three as a rookie. His rapid rise has changed the internal math for Charlotte. Analysts say the front office sees a wing-focused core as more sustainable than paying a high-usage, injury-prone guard $40.7 million per year.
Ball's Injury History and Loyalty Complicate the Decision
Ball has publicly said he wants to stay. "I love being with the Hornets and hope to remain with the franchise," he said, per Head Top Topics. His agent, Sam Permut of Roc Nation, is central to how any deal gets structured given Ball's three remaining years on his contract.
Not everyone thinks trading Ball makes sense. Hoops Wire noted that some analysts question moving him at peak value: "Could Peterson be looking to sell high before another injury?" Between 2022 and 2025, Ball missed significant time with ankle and wrist issues before his 2025-26 health breakthrough.
Timberwolves Eye Ball to Pair with Anthony Edwards
Minnesota's interest stems from a desire to give star guard Anthony Edwards a high-caliber running mate. Both Edwards and Ball were drafted in 2020. The Stein Line noted that other veteran point guard options, including Kyrie Irving, have been off the table for Minnesota.
For Toronto, the logic is equally clear. The Raptors failed to reach deep in the playoffs with their current Quickley and Scottie Barnes core. GM Masai Ujiri is reportedly ready for a "home run swing," per Head Top Topics. Adding Ball alongside Barnes could vault Toronto into the Eastern Conference's top tier — if Ball stays healthy.
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