LaMelo Ball's future with the Charlotte Hornets remains murky, especially given how their season has been going. Intriguingly, the LA Clippers have also been reeling lately and might need to hit the panic button, and the point guard could be the perfect guy to build around for them.
To be clear, it doesn't look like the Hornets will actively shop Ball this season, as they are reportedly gauging how far a core group consisting of the former All-Star, Brandon Miller, and Kon Knueppel can take the team.
Ball may have turned the corner with an impressive performance in Charlotte's latest loss to the New York Knicks, and Knueppel is continuing to prove doubters wrong with his fine play. However, Miller has once again been sidelined after his left shoulder injury appeared to be aggravated recently, with some fans even worried that he might have to be shut down for the season.
So, the possibility of suitors for Ball emerging cannot be ruled out, and the Clippers could be among those who will call Jeff Peterson in the coming months.
Homecoming for Melo?
After entering the 2025-26 regular season with heightened expectations, the Clippers have largely disappointed. They are currently tied with Charlotte in the league standings with a 6-16 record despite a star-studded roster.
The organization has also come under heavy fire of late over its handling of Chris Paul's possible retirement tour, severing ties with the franchise legend, apparently because of their contrasting views.
With LA looking like a team without direction, it could pivot to a major roster shakeup. However, considering its star-hunting ideology and the fact that it is trying to attract fans to the newly built home venue, Intuit Dome, its front office might decide to trade for another star rather than tear down the roster and start a complete rebuild.
Ball could already be in the Clippers' crosshairs, especially since he grew up in Chino Hills, which is only an hour's drive away from their headquarters in Inglewood. Furthermore, he has the talent and marketability that seem perfect for their roster-building philosophy.
Perhaps the only thing the Clips would be wary of is his injury history. On the other hand, they have entrusted their future to the poster boy of load management, Kawhi Leonard, so it looks like they wouldn't be dissuaded by Ball's persistent appearances on the injury report.
Of course, it doesn't mean that we should expect the 2020 No. 3 pick to wear a Clippers jersey anytime soon. After all, they don't have that many assets to entice the Hornets with, and Peterson and company should know better than to undersell one of their most valuable players.