Hornets reportedly open to trading LaMelo Ball, Timberwolves, Raptors interested

· Yahoo Sports

LaMelo Ball is a walking highlight package, a social media and fan favorite around the league because of it and his style. He is incredibly popular with a younger generation of fans.

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And the Charlotte Hornets are open to trading him, reports Shams Charania of ESPN. He adds that while the Hornets are keeping the asking price high, a couple of the suitors are being very aggressive.

Minnesota and Toronto are two of the teams interested, reports Marc Stein at the Stein Line. In addition, Jake Fischer adds that Milwaukee has long had interest in Ball and would be open to bringing him in after trading away Giannis Antetokounmpo.

It's not a coincidence that Charlotte has looked to trade Ball coming off arguably his best season as a pro. He averaged 20.1 points and 7.1 assists per game, shot 36.8% from 3-point range, and, most importantly, was largely healthy, playing in 70 games. Ball has battled a series of injuries and had not played in more than 47 games the previous three seasons.

The team that trades for Ball will have him for a while, he has three years fully guaranteed remaining on his contract, including $40.8 million next season.

For Charlotte, this is about pivoting to a new era, Charania said on the ESPN Draft broadcast, although he added Ball himself wants to stay in Charlotte.

"They're pivoting. The Hornets are looking at an opportunity to pivot. They *had* been about LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges. They want their future to be about Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller."

While Charania suggested this could be wrapped up in a couple of days, don't be surprised if it drags out well into free agency.

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