3 teams that could tempt the Hornets into making a LaMelo Ball trade this offseason
By Ben Handler
Trade 3: Orlando looks to become a contender
LaMelo Magic
Another team that is in desperate need of a lead guard to push them over the top is the Orlando Magic. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner look like budding young stars on the wing, but they need someone to run the offense.
Adding LaMelo alongside those two would make for an incredible young nucleus with amazing versatility. They’d instantly have a balanced attack that could have them contending for the next decade.
They have plenty of young players and recent first-round picks with upside like Anthony Black, Jett Howard, and Caleb Houstan, plus a solid young big man in Wendell Carter Jr. who was rumored to be available earlier this year.
They also own all of their own first-round picks and one from Denver in 2025. They could put together a package built around Black and Carter plus 3-4 first-rounders that would be appetizing for the Hornets. Those are two players who would fit well with Brandon Miller and help the team in the present and the future.
There might be some extra appeal to dealing with a team like Orlando who hasn’t exactly been known for their success over the years. If things go poorly and they’re not able to keep their core together, those picks could look awfully juicy in a few years.