The possibility of LaMelo Ball parting ways with the Charlotte Hornets continues to loom. If they have no choice but to trade Ball, the Hornets could look at swapping him for a disgruntled star: Ja Morant.
Giving up Ball seems like an ill-advised move. Charlotte has already demonstrated how big a threat it can be when its main guys are healthy. In addition, the combination of Ball, Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, Miles Bridges, and Moussa Diabate has registered the highest net rating among all five-man lineups that have played at least 70 minutes this season.
So, it makes complete sense for the Hornets to see how well they can compete against the rest of the league with the current core pieces.
A disappointed Melo?
There are people, though, who are adamant that either Ball has to seek a trade or Charlotte needs to move on from its No. 3 pick in 2020. Kendrick Perkins is among those who have called on the star to seek a fresh start elsewhere. The ESPN analyst even recently claimed that Melo had an expletive-laden outburst about Charles Lee last week.
The organization has yet to address the allegations. But if it's true that Ball has grown tired of playing for the Hornets or their coach, it's plausible that the relationship will sour to a point that a divorce is the best route for both parties.
The problem with shipping Ball, though, is that it could leave Charlotte with a colossal hole at the one. As it stands, he is the team's only playmaker who can consistently facilitate the offense effectively. So, the front office would need to look for another high-level point guard in that scenario.
Risking it all for Ja?
In some ways, Morant could be the perfect replacement for Ball in Buzz City. Both have extraordinary talent, star power, and the ability to elevate their teammates' game.
The Memphis Grizzlies star, who is reportedly available now in the trade market (subscription required), per NBA insider Jake Fischer, is two years older. However, he has achieved feats that Melo can only dream of for now, such as leading his squad to a 50-win campaign (two, actually) and appearing (and performing well) in the playoffs.
On the other hand, while sticking with Ball is viewed as a risky option for the Hive, the Morant alternative might be even more so. The two-time All-Star's off-court controversies and injury history aren't easy to ignore.
If the Hornets do take a flyer on Morant, they would probably bank on the culture Jeff Peterson has begun to establish to keep the aspiring superstar in check. Perhaps his South Carolina roots could also inspire him to focus more on basketball instead of his extracurricular activities.
All this discussion could be moot, though. Playing for Charlotte likely hasn't crossed Morant's mind. And the team would probably rather continue building around Ball or seek draft capital if it opts to move on from its cornerstone.