Since the Dallas Mavericks shockingly traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, there has been a change in perception about the availability of star players on the trade market.
As the offseason approaches, speculation is mounting around potential high-profile trades, particularly involving young stars LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets and Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, both players are drawing significant attention from league executives as possible trade targets.
A few potential landing spots were removed for both players. Doncic’s landing in Los Angeles means the Lakers are set, but the San Antonio Spurs are, too, after trading for De’Aaron Fox. Regardless, plenty of teams will need to trade for talent like Ball or Young if they become available.
NBA Executive Eyeing LaMelo Ball for Charlotte Hornets Trade
LaMelo Ball, signed to a five-year, $203.9 million contract with the Hornets, has had a standout season with averages of 26.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game. Despite his success, the Hornets are languishing with a 14-45 record, raising questions about Ball’s future in Charlotte.
A trade involving Ball could signal a significant rebuild for Charlotte, which is looking to free up salary cap space and gather assets for the future.
“The availability of Hornets guard LaMelo Ball is one of the stars several executives who spoke with HoopsHype will be monitoring on the trade market this summer,” Scotto reported.
If the Hornets decided to make Ball available on the trade market, they would command a significant amount of value in exchange for him. Between his creative shot creation and playmaking talent, Ball is an intriguing star who could enhance any young core with a primary offensive option.
Trae Young Contract Outlook Sparks NBA Trade Rumors
Meanwhile, in Atlanta, Trae Young finds himself in a similar situation. In the middle of a five-year, $215.2 million contract, Young has a player option at the end of the 2026 season. The sharpshooter will earn $46 million during the 2025-26 season and has a $48.97 million player option for the following year. He is also eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension this summer.
“The question on the mind of executives around the league is whether or not Atlanta will commit a long-term extension to Young this summer or look to move him before having to pay him more money,” Scotto noted.
The Hawks have had a mixed bag of results with Young at the helm. They reached the Eastern Conference Finals once but also experienced early playoff exits and missed the postseason entirely in several seasons. Atlanta currently holds a 27-33 record, and the team’s management is reportedly undecided about committing to Young for the long term.
Whether Ball or Young stays with their current teams or finds new homes elsewhere will be among many storylines to monitor in trade rumors as the NBA offseason nears.
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