A blockbuster NBA trade idea sending LaMelo Ball to the Dallas Mavericks, Klay Thompson to the Los Angeles Lakers and Rui Hachimura to the Charlotte Hornets has been created.
NBA writer Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report created the following trade idea between the Mavericks, Lakers and Hornets:
Dallas Mavericks get: LaMelo Ball
Los Angeles Lakers get: Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford
Charlotte Hornets get: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, Max Christie, Gabe Vincent, 2029 first-round pick (unprotected via Lakers from Mavericks)
“The LaMelo Ball era with the Charlotte Hornets is slowly coming to an end. If indeed put on the trade block, there’s an obvious franchise that needs his services,” Swartz wrote. “The Dallas Mavericks are desperate for anyone who can dribble and shoot to pair with Cooper Flagg. After their success in doing business with the Mavs last season, the Los Angeles Lakers should have their eyes on a pair of former Luka Dončić teammates in Dallas as well.
“A three-team trade between the Mavs, Lakers and Hornets could turn Dallas into a contender once again while giving Flagg an elite point guard to grow with.”
As of this writing, the Hornets are 6-14, the Mavericks are 6-15 and the Lakers are 15-4.
Ball has appeared in 13 games for Charlotte this season. He’s averaging 19.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 8.5 assists per game while shooting 37.9% from the field, 28.1% from beyond the arc and 86.5% from the free-throw line. The one-time All-Star is making $37.9 million.
NBA insider Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports reports that Ball is open to being traded from the Hornets, who haven’t made the playoffs since 2016. Ball doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract.
The Mavericks need a point guard since Kyrie Irving is out. It’s unknown if Irving will play this season, as he’s recovering from left ACL surgery.
Thompson almost signed with the Lakers in 2024, but he chose the Mavericks because he wanted to play with Irving and Dončić. Dallas, of course, traded Dončić to Los Angeles last season.
Thompson is averaging 10.9 points per game this season while shooting 34.6% from 3. He’s making $16.7 million.
Hachimura is in the final year of his contract. He’s making $18.3 million. The forward is averaging 14.8 points per game for the Lakers, shooting 54.5% overall and 46.1% from 3-point range.