5 LaMelo Ball trades that would force the Hornets to pick up the phone

2. Orlando Magic

Following an impressive season in which they made the playoffs for the first time since the Nikola Vucevic era, the Orlando Magic could be looking to improve their roster this summer.

They have some solid point guards on the roster, including rookie Anthony Black, but they could still use an upgrade at that position. LaMelo Ball could be that upgrade.

Ball’s health is a question mark, as it will be for any team that decides to trade for him, but the Magic could put together a fairly intriguing package to entice the Charlotte Hornets.

As noted, Black is coming off a solid rookie campaign, and he could take the reins in Charlotte. His size is comparable to Ball's, and he’s a better defender, but he’s not nearly at the same level.

Meanwhile, Jett Howard didn’t get a ton of consistent minutes on the Hornets during his rookie year, but his shooting touch is undeniable and would be a nice fit in Charlotte.

Jonathan Isaac would step in and immediately improve the Hornets’ terrible defense, as he’s one of the most impressive individual defenders in the league.

Add in the fact that the Hornets would be getting the 18th pick in this year’s draft and a protected future first, and this could be enough to make them raise their eyebrows.

In the end, Charlotte would probably decline this deal, too, as would the Magic. Both teams would probably rather continue on their current paths, but this framework is at least interesting.

Potential starting lineups

Magic: LaMelo Ball, Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr.

Hornets: Anthony Black, Tre Mann, Brandon Miller, Jonathan Isaac, Mark Williams