Despite a healthy amount of hype heading into the season, the Charlotte Hornets haven’t gotten off to a great start in 2025-26. At just 4-11, they’re 12th in the Eastern Conference standings, ranking in the bottom-third of the league in both points per game (116.6) and opponents’ points per game (120.2).
It’s been such a rough go that there are even whispers that LaMelo Ball is looking to get traded, though he denies the rumors.
What Did LaMelo Ball Say About the Trade Rumors?
“He never heard that come from me, so the source is not from me,” Ball says, per The Associated Press’s Steve Reed (h/t Underdog NBA). “So it’s just false info… I love being here.”
Ball’s response comes on the heels of a report that claims he “has grown increasingly frustrated with the organization and is open to a trade away from the franchise.”
To be clear, an exact reason wasn’t given for his purported disillusionment with the Hornets. However, the team’s offensive philosophy and less-than-concrete commitment to him as “a long-term foundational piece” were both mentioned.
LaMelo Ball on report that he’s open to a trade, via @SteveReedAP:
“He never heard that come from me, so the source is not from me. So it’s just false info… I love being here.”
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) November 21, 2025
After Ball read about his desire to flee the hive, he posted a not-so-cryptic clown emoji on X (formerly known as Twitter) to express his thoughts about the rumors. Additionally, an NBA insider threw cold water on the idea that either side is looking to part ways at this juncture. Thus, the smoke from the rumors appears to be leading to mirrors rather than fire.
Even so, Ball’s future with the Hornets has been in question for a couple of years.
From an organizational perspective, Ball’s an offensive engine with a surreal, street-ball style. He not only puts points on the board but rumps in the stands. Yet, he’s injury-prone, missing 175 games since being drafted. He hasn’t truly been disciplined enough either — at either end of the floor.
On top of that, Brandon Miller showed the potential to be the No. 1 option during his outstanding rookie season. Now, Rookie of the Year frontrunner Kon Knueppel looks like he can be a building block for the team as well.
To be clear, Ball’s arguably the most gifted player on the team. Nonetheless, he needs more refinement than Miller or Knueppel. With teams having to be so cap-conscious, does it make sense to pay him a superstar salary?
Frankly, only time will tell whether it makes sense for Ball and the Hornets to continue their partnership. For his part, Ball can put many of the questions that surround him to bed by taking better shots, playing more stingy defense, and staying on the court for more games. If he does that and Charlotte still can’t get over the hump, he might need to take his talents elsewhere after all.
