LaMelo Ball is reportedly receiving trade offers from multiple NBA teams during the second round of the 2026 [1] NBA Draft.
This potential move would signal a major shift for the Charlotte Hornets and could reshape the competitive landscape for the teams attempting to acquire the point guard.
The interest in Ball has intensified as the league celebrates the 80th [2] anniversary of the NBA Draft. Reports indicate that the Hornets organization in Charlotte, North Carolina, is currently fielding offers for the star player. Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports said that Ball is "picking up steam" as a trade candidate [3].
Among the teams showing strong interest are the Toronto Raptors and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Raptors enter these discussions coming off a season where they secured 46 [4] regular-season wins. The Timberwolves are also viewed as having a significant opportunity to pull off a star trade to bolster their roster.
The activity peaked on Wednesday during the second round of the draft. While the Hornets have not officially announced a move, the volume of inquiries suggests the team is weighing the value of their assets against the potential for a roster rebuild.
Ball has been a central figure for the Hornets, and his availability on the trade market is rare for a player of his caliber. The pursuit by multiple teams indicates a high demand for his playmaking abilities, and scoring potential as the league enters a new competitive cycle.
“LaMelo Ball is "picking up steam" as a trade candidate”
The potential trade of LaMelo Ball suggests that the Charlotte Hornets may be pivoting toward a full rebuild. For suitors like the Raptors and Timberwolves, acquiring a star point guard during the draft window allows them to upgrade their rosters to compete for a championship in the coming season.
