The Charlotte Hornets won 44 games last season, a 25-win improvement over the previous year.<\/p>\n
So it begs the question: Why would Hornets general manager and executive vice president basketball operations Jeff Peterson break up a team that seemed on the rise by trading its most dynamic offensive player in LaMelo Ball?<\/p>\n
What You Need To Know<\/p>\n
Charlotte Hornets general manager Jeff Peterson explained the decision to trade star point guard LaMelo Ball, emphasizing the need for sustainability over short-term gains
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The Hornets reached the play-in tournament last season but haven’t gotten to the playoffs in more than a decade
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Ball, who had a standout season, was sent to the Timberwolves as part of a four-team trade\u00a0that includes Naz Reid, draft picks and a record $40.7 million trade exception
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While the move has upset many fans, Peterson said it will provide future flexibility<\/p>\n
Peterson addressed the question Saturday in Las Vegas, where the Hornets are playing Summer League games, saying it was all about the long-term success of the organization.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese decisions are challenging at times, but when you look at the totality of the season and everything of where we were, it\u2019s important to take an honest look in the mirror of where you guys are as a team,\u201d Peterson said. \u201cAnd that\u2019s what I had to do at the end of the season. And I just feel like again, the goal is never to compete for a play-in spot. The goal isn\u2019t to get to the play-in or even the playoffs for one year.\u201d<\/p>\n
Charlotte reached the play-in tournament and beat Miami at home before getting blown out on the road at Orlando.<\/p>\n
Ball, who had struggled with injuries in the past, had one of his best seasons and averaged 20.1 points, 7.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game while finishing second in the league to rookie teammate Kon Knueppel in 3-pointers made with 272.<\/p>\n
But the Hornets failed to make the playoffs in the six seasons since Ball came to them as the No. 3 overall pick in 2020.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no doubt in my mind that we had a successful season last year by a lot of people\u2019s standards, and of course LaMelo was a huge part of that,\u201d Peterson said. \u201cBut again, sometimes these decisions, they can be challenging. But ultimately I do feel a responsibility to the organization and to the fans really across the world of the Hornets to do what\u2019s best for the long term of the franchise.\u201d<\/p>\n
Peterson believes that acquiring Naz Reid and draft picks from Minnesota for Ball will give the Hornets more flexibility as they continue to build.<\/p>\n
As part of a four-team trade with Brooklyn, Chicago and Minnesota, Charlotte sent Ball and Josh Green to the Timberwolves in exchange for Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, first-round pick swaps in 2028, 2029 and 2030, and second-round picks in 2029, 2032 and 2033.<\/p>\n
Along with draft capital, the Hornets also received a $40.7 million trade exception \u2014 the largest in NBA history \u2014 as part of the deal, positioning themselves to add other top talent.<\/p>\n
Still, the move did not sit well with many fans in Charlotte, where Ball is popular and has been a draw.<\/p>\n
The anger is not on the same level as Mavs fans when Luka Doncic was traded to Los Angeles, but some felt the move was ill-timed given the Hornets appeared headed in the right direction with Ball as their leader.<\/p>\n
Peterson said he knows Ball will do great things in Minnesota.<\/p>\n
\u201cI do empathize with the fans and I understand just where they\u2019re coming from,\u201d Peterson said. \u201cIf I\u2019m honest, I love LaMelo. He\u2019s a tremendous human being. Of course, he\u2019s an enormous talent. He and I have a great relationship.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I would hope that they understand that I have the best interest of the Hornets organization. I truly do. And it\u2019s not about one year or two years. It\u2019s about sustained success and just being objective of where we truly are in our life cycle. I have no doubt that this team we roll out next year and the years to come is going to continue to compete and eventually we\u2019ll get there.\u201d<\/p>\n
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