Amid a 4-13 start to the season, the Charlotte Hornets face tough decisions, including what to do with LaMelo Ball. The rumor mill is heating up, and while the All-Star point guard has refuted rumors of frustration, it’s fair to consider the Hornets might trade him. Ball is talented, but he has consistently battled injuries and has not elevated the franchise.
He has never had a stable organization around him and rarely anything real to play for, so a change of scenery could help. These four teams could pursue Ball if Charlotte wants to deal.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers feel like a natural suitor for Ball. After a 50-win, second-round playoff push last spring, their aging, injury-riddled roster has stumbled out of the gate. This has left James Harden exposed without enough help and cast doubt on the team’s title-or-bust timeline.
Adding Ball would instantly inject youth, pace, and creativity into a group that needs an offensive jolt and another primary engine. His ability to run, stretch the floor, and set the table would ease the burden on Harden and Kawhi Leonard while giving Ty Lue a different kind of star to mold.
From Charlotte’s side, the Clippers have a coherent path to a deal. They can send back shorter contracts, a couple of future first-round picks, and one of their intriguing young players. This move would give the Hornets flexibility and upside while Los Angeles pivots into a new era.
Ball is a big swing that comes with risk, but it’s also the rare chance to acquire a 24-year-old lead guard with real star potential before the post-Kawhi, post-Harden cliff arrives.
Miami Heat
Ball checks nearly every box for the Miami Heat. Pairing a 24-year-old 6’7″ playmaking guard with Bam Adebayo would give Miami the dynamic pick-and-roll hub it has lacked.
Whether Tyler Herro leaves or stays, Ball’s vision, size, and pace would diversify an offense that often feels system-driven instead of powered by a true engine. Efficiency is down, but Ball is averaging 21.2 points, 9.6 assists, and 6.6 rebounds this season, per Basketball Reference.
With picks, matching salary, and prospects like Nikola Jović, the Heat can construct a serious offer if Charlotte listens.
Beyond the on-court fit, Miami is the environment Ball needs. The Heat have a deep rotation of bigger defenders and a point-of-attack option like Davion Mitchell. This allows Erik Spoelstra to protect Ball on defense and lean into his strengths. The organization prides itself on structure, conditioning, and accountability, and trusts its culture enough to take chances on polarizing talents.
If the front office decides Ball has more long-term star equity than Herro and the cost is closer to expiring deals plus a couple of picks than a full teardown, this is the kind of gamble that could reset their trajectory for the post-Jimmy Butler era.
Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors have started the 2025-26 season strong, but point guard remains a question mark. While Immanuel Quickley has performed steadily, he hasn’t fully delivered as the team’s clear floor general. Adding LaMelo Ball, with his exceptional passing and deep shooting range, could transform Toronto’s offense, especially in their fast-moving half-court sets and transition opportunities.
Ball’s playmaking would complement stars like Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes, creating a dynamic trio capable of challenging the best in the Eastern Conference.
However, the Raptors face a risky decision. The front office could keep developing Quickley or bet on Ball’s polarizing game and injury history. If healthy and supported, Ball’s upside is massive, giving the Raptors a star-caliber point guard who could elevate them from a good regular-season team to a legitimate playoff threat.
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are an intriguing yet complex potential landing spot for LaMelo Ball despite the drama from Nico Harrison’s firing. With Kyrie Irving recovering from ACL surgery and Dante Exum sidelined for the season, Dallas’ point guard situation is uncertain. Neither D’Angelo Russell nor Brandon Williams has proven reliable.
Adding Ball would bring a dynamic playmaker to one of the league’s weakest offenses, potentially boosting scoring and creating opportunities for No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, who can thrive with Ball’s playmaking.
Though the Mavericks still face questions about their broader roster and future assets, Ball’s youth and skill set offer a fresh direction, especially as they potentially contemplate moving on from Anthony Davis. Ball’s ability to set up teammates and stretch defenses could complement Flagg’s two-way versatility and create a dynamic new core.