For now, Charlotte Hornets fans can only dream of watching a superstar don the purple and teal jersey. If he can stay healthy, LaMelo Ball can likely play the part. But while he has the tools to be one, he still hasn't shown enough to assure us that he can reach his potential and carry a franchise.
What if a superstar decides to take his talents to Queen City? It sounds implausible, but it is certainly not impossible.
This summer, the best free agents are probably going to be LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. All three have player options and are presumably staying with their respective teams. Someone from the Milwaukee Bucks could possibly ask to be traded, though.
A Hornets member has history with Giannis Antetokounmpo
Despite the Bucks' disappointing results in the previous seasons, Giannis Antetokounmpo wanting out seems like a ludicrous idea. But with the squad one loss away from a third consecutive first-round elimination and Damian Lillard sustaining a torn left Achilles tendon that will keep him out of the remainder of the playoffs and perhaps a part of the 2025-26 campaign, its top brass could opt to break up the band.
Of course, blowing up the roster will depend on Antetokounmpo, who has been a beacon of loyalty in the NBA. However, it's worth noting that while he has expressed his desire to remain in Milwaukee for the entirety of his career, securing at least one more ring is his priority.
For that reason, the chances of the two-time MVP joining the Hornets are close to zero. If he were to list out his preferred trade destinations, Charlotte is unlikely to make it.
But what if Antetokounmpo wants a reunion with Charles Lee? The pair spent five seasons together when Lee served as the Bucks' assistant coach. They even won a championship together. There were even times during that stretch when he called the shots as the acting coach when Mike Budenholzer had to take a leave.
Would the Hornets become a legitimate title contender with the "Greek Freak" around? If they manage to retain Ball and Brandon Miller by shipping Miles Bridges, salary fillers, and multiple first-round draft picks (including this year's) instead, they definitely have a shot at the Larry O'Brien Trophy. After all, Lee already knows how to win with the perennial MVP contender.
It may be tough to admit, but the scenario where Antetokounmpo chooses to leave his team for Charlotte and the Bucks agree to a package from the Hornets sounds unrealistic. Besides, pursuing the nine-time All-Star might contradict the organization's vision of building a sustainable contender. While he is still one of the top players in the league, he is already 30 years old and will be too costly to acquire.