Even though he has shown a lot of promise the past few years, All-Star guard LaMelo Ball has still failed to transform the Charlotte Hornets for the better. A wild trade idea, though, will see him improve the Orlando Magic rather than languish in Buzz City.
After a successful high school career, Ball decided to forgo college and pursue a professional path. In 2018, he played for the Lithuanian club Prienai and the Junior Basketball Association JBA, a league created by his father LaVar. The following year, Ball joined the Illawarra Hawks in Australia’s National Basketball League and had a breakout season, averaging 17 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists per game and being named NBL Rookie of the Year.
Ball’s standout performance in Australia elevated his draft stock, and he was selected 3rd overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2020 NBA Draft. As a rookie in the 2020-21 season, Ball had an immediate impact, averaging 15.7 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game and being named NBA Rookie of the Year.
In the 2021-22 season, Ball continued to improve, earning his first NBA All-Star selection after averaging 20.1 points, 7.6 assists, and 6.7 rebounds per game. However, his 2022-23 season was cut short by a season-ending injury. Despite the setback, the Hornets recently signed Ball to a contract extension, signaling their long-term commitment to the young star.
Interesting Trade Idea Sends Charlotte Hornets Star LaMelo Ball to Orlando Magic
After a disappointing finish last season, fans have clamored for Ball to be traded to another team. In an article posted by Bleacher Report, a proposal sending the Hornets star to the Orlando Magic for Anthony Black, Wendell Carter Jr., Anthony Cole, and two first round picks was put out.
“Ball is a magician with the rock, regularly making highlight-reel passes that leave defenders helpless. The soon-to-be 23-year-old averaged 23.9 points, 8.0 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game while shooting (and making) threes at a high volume, which is precisely what this Orlando roster needs.
A starting five of Ball, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Jonathan Isaac would be extremely well-balanced on both sides of the ball and would have only one member (KCP) over the age of 26. If Ball suffers further ankle injuries, Jalen Suggs could resume his starting duties off a bench that would still feature Jett Howard, Moe Wagner, Gary Harris, Goga Bitadze and Tristan da Silva,”
Pairing Ball with All-Star forward Paolo Banchero will instantly make the Magic contenders in the East. This move will help them finish better than their fifth-seed regular season record of 47 wins and 35 losses.
It remains to be seen what moves will Charlotte and Orlando still make for the remainder of the offseason. If they pull off this insane trade, though, expect the internet to be broken right away.
For More Great Basketball Content
Follow me on Twitter at @BeatKit22 and follow us @HardwoodHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional sports, click here!
