The Charlotte Hornets haven’t expressed any intent on dishing out star guard LaMelo Ball.
But that doesn’t stop speculation with trade proposals. Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley issued several trade scenarios for Ball, including the fringe-postseason contenders Chicago Bulls. The trade swapped ex-Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey with the Hornets star with a few first-round draft picks.
“LaMelo’s creation and quick-strike scoring and Lonzo’s off-ball utility and two-way playmaking would help emphasize the other’s strengths and mask their weaknesses,” Buckley wrote. “This is more about giving direction to a franchise in desperate need of it. The Bulls have been perpetually stuck between the proverbial rock and hard place by neither going all-in on the present nor fully committing to a rebuild.”
Ball is averaging 25.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.1 steals this season. Adding the Hornets All-Star would add another scorer and floor general to the Bulls’ high-scoring backcourt, assuming Charlotte wouldn’t have to dish out any additional stars in the trade.
Giddey spent three seasons in Oklahoma City, rounding out their Big Three with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams before the arrival of Chet Holmgren. If traded to the Hornets, he would give them stability at the guard position and supplant Ball’s scoring and facilitating with guards Josh Green and Nick Smith Jr. Giddey is having his best season statistically. He is averaging 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists, with performances like his triple-double against the Miami Heat illustrating his all-around game this season.
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