If Charlotte Hornets fans had their way, LaMelo Ball would suit up for the squad for a long time, if not his entire career. There hasn't been any sign that the star point guard intends to leave at some point, but several people have called on him to go to his home state and join the LA Clippers.
In the past offseason, the Ball patriarch, LaVar, expressed his dreams of seeing all three of his children play for the Clippers. The elder Ball might have to brace for disappointment, as such a reunion is probably not in the organization's best interest.
A couple of talking heads have also suggested that the younger Ball move to LA. Gilbert Arenas believes he would make the Clippers must-see TV. On the other hand, Chandler Parsons said the 2022 All-Star isn't that well-known because the "Charlotte Hornets are historically bad," and the flashy playmaker would be more of a household name if he could make his way to the Clips.
Clippers don't have much to entice Hornets
The trio should have thought things through before issuing their recommendation, though. There are massive hurdles to the Hornets potentially losing the younger Ball to LA.
First, he signed a max rookie contract extension last year that will lock him up in Charlotte until the end of the 2028-29 campaign. The offer likely proved to him that the franchise is committed to a future with him, as the deal came during the thick of his battles with injuries.
In addition, the younger Ball cannot leave unless he asks for a trade. The Clippers would have to wait in line in such a scenario because they have few assets to offer to Charlotte. Keep in mind that the Hornets would have the leverage in any trade negotiation involving their cornerstone.
Now, let's say the former Rookie of the Year names the Clippers as his preferred destination, and the Hornets decide to grant his wish. The front office should make sure to bring back the best return possible.
The non-negotiable part of any potential package should be at least one first-round pick, and that's where it gets tricky because LA has no tradable first-round selection until 2031.
Would Charlotte be fine with getting just one that is seven years into the future? Given the haul some other teams have gotten for their stars (think Mikal Bridges being worth at least four unprotected first-round picks), the Hornets shouldn't agree to a trade package with just a lone first-rounder.
Fans don't have to worry, though, as the younger Ball is reportedly one of the two players that the franchise has no desire to see leave anytime soon.