The Charlotte Hornets are not actively shopping star guard LaMelo Ball, sources told Bleacher Report on Thursday. NBA insider Jake Fischer stated the team wants more time to evaluate Ball alongside injured Brandon Miller and rookies Kon Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner, per Marc Stein.
Ball, 24, is in the second year of a five-year, $203.8 million contract and is averaging 21.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 9.6 assists per game through nine starts this season. His playmaking and leadership remain central to the Hornets’ strategy despite their 4-11 record.
The Hornets are leaning on their young core while navigating injuries, with Miller sidelined and rookies Knueppel and Kalkbrenner seeing increased minutes. Kon Knueppel is contributing 18.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, while Kalkbrenner adds 10.1 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.
Other key contributors include Miles Bridges (22.3 points, 6.9 rebounds per game), Collin Sexton (15.2 points, 4.8 assists per game), and Tre Mann (10.1 points, 3.1 assists per game). The Hornets are also working to integrate younger role players like Moussa Diabate and Sion James.
Stein noted the team’s current stance reflects a desire to fully assess Ball’s fit with the roster before considering any trade options. With the season still early, Charlotte appears committed to giving their core a chance to develop chemistry and evaluate the team’s long-term outlook.
