3 teams that could tempt the Hornets into making a LaMelo Ball trade this offseason
By Ben Handler
Trade 2: Danny Ainge goes all in
Lamelo Jazz
At some point, Danny Ainge and the Utah Jazz are going to have to push in some chips and make a win-now move. Adding LaMelo Ball to the mix alongside the likes of Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler would certainly qualify.
Much like with the Spurs, the Jazz are brimming with talent, but need another star to really make things work. Ball would be a great offensive engine and primary creator for a roster full of play-finishers like Markkanen, Kessler, and John Collins.
The Jazz could offer either (or both) of their promising rookies, Keyonte George and Taylor Hendricks. Both players have a ton of promise but are pretty raw and their timelines may not line up with a ready-made star like Markkanen.
The Jazz are also flush with draft picks, as they own multiple firsts from Cleveland and Minnesota, plus their own and a juicy Lakers pick. They could easily tempt the Hornets with 3-4 first-rounders and a young player or two.
They’d likely have to add in Collin Sexton or Jordan Clarkson as matching salaries. Both of those guys are useful players who could help in Charlotte, or likely be flipped to another team for even more assets.
Trading with Danny Ainge is always a risky proposition, but the Jazz could certainly put together an appealing package if they are serious about acquiring LaMelo.