🚨 LaMelo Ball on the Trade Radar?
Golden State reportedly had internal discussions about acquiring LaMelo Ball, but before you panic, there’s no indication Charlotte is seriously considering moving him.
Would the Warriors love to pair him with Steph Curry? Of course. But as I said on the show, I’d like Steph Curry in Charlotte too—it doesn’t mean it’s happening.
The bigger takeaway is that teams are starting to assess LaMelo’s value. If the Hornets don’t put a competitive team around him in the next two seasons, the question won’t be whether they trade him—it’ll be whether they are forced to move him like Sacramento was with De’Aaron Fox. Teams that are forced to move a player who is extension eligible get significantly less value back because the eligible teams list shrinks dramatically.
🔥 Cody Martin Drawing Interest from Contenders
The Bucks, Lakers, and Nuggets have reportedly checked in on Cody Martin, a clear sign that teams see him as a valuable piece for a playoff run.
Walker asked me this on the show today: If contenders want him, should the Hornets reconsider trading him? Or is he a keeper for when Charlotte is finally ready to make a run?
My Answer: The Hornets are in asset-gathering mode. If they can flip Martin (of Miles Bridges) for something meaningful—maybe a first-round pick or a younger player—it’s worth considering. The Hornets have MUCH BIGGER holes to feel than one wing defender. Even when healthy they struggle to function offensively and keep teams off the rim defensively. They’ll have plenty of time to develop or acquire a Cody Martin replacement.
🔄 A New Model for the Hornets? Look at Portland
The Portland Trail Blazers, who have been stuck in a rebuild, are suddenly hot, winning nine of their last ten games.
Why? They’re built on size, physicality, and multiple ball-handlers who can push the pace.
Charlotte needs to look at this model. Instead of hoping one player (LaMelo) can do everything, the Hornets should prioritize adding versatile playmakers who ease his workload and make the offense less predictable.
Whether that comes through the draft or trades, it’s a shift worth making.
🏆 Trade Deadline Strategy: Who’s On the Move?
Hornets GM Jeff Peterson is reportedly listening to offers on Miles Bridges, Cody Martin, and Vasilije Micić. The question isn’t just who they’ll trade—it’s what they can get in return. They probably won’t come away with multiple 1sts like they did in the last deadline because the talent going out is weaker but even 1 heavily protected 1st positions them closer to being able to take a big swing on a trade for veteran talent.
Names to watch:
- John Collins (Utah) – Price might be high, but he’d be an interesting fit.
- Isaac Okoro (Cleveland) – A strong defender who could be a key piece.
- Zeke Nnaji (Denver) – Could Charlotte get him in a trade with Cody Martin?
