Blockbuster trade proposal sends Hornets’ $203 million superstar to Nets

The Brooklyn Nets have made multiple assets available on the trade market, signaling their intent to go in a different direction as a franchise. 

To help jumpstart their partial rebuild, the Nets could pursue a Charlotte Hornets superstar who would likely be open to a change of scenery. 

“The Nets are 9-10 and looking like they’ve finally found some rhythm, riding a three-game win streak capped by a win over the Suns,” Fadeaway World’s Fran Leiva wrote Thursday. 

“They’re in a funky spot—not fully rebuilding, but definitely not contenders yet. Coach Jordi Fernández has them playing hard despite injuries to key pieces like Cam Thomas and (Bojan) Bogdanovic.”

“Thomas, sidelined with a hamstring strain that’ll keep him out at least three weeks, was leading the team with 24.7 points per game before he went down.”

“Oh, and don’t forget: the Nets couldn’t lock him into an extension before the season, so he’s heading for restricted free agency in 2025. All of that has him popping up in trade rumors, which makes him a big piece in this hypothetical deal.”

“Adding LaMelo Ball to the mix would instantly shift the Nets’ trajectory. He’d give them the true franchise player they’ve been missing since the Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving days, and he’d fit perfectly with their versatile roster.” 

“The Nets are a big-market team without the constant noise of the (New York) Knicks, giving Ball the spotlight without overwhelming him.” 

“On the court, Ball would run the show, creating for guys like Cam Johnson, Nic Claxton, and Ziaire Williams, while keeping defenses honest with his scoring. It’s a win for both Ball’s career and the Nets’ future.”

While Ball is thriving in Charlotte from a production standpoint, averaging 31.1 points and 6.9 assists per contest, one could argue the Chino Hills, California native is in purgatory as a member of the Hornets.

Charlotte is a small-market franchise that doesn’t appear to be moving in the right direction as of 2024.  

Charlotte, the No. 12 seed in the Eastern Conference, has several rotational players, including Ball, dealing with various injuries.

Additionally, Ball has notched 30+ points in four consecutive games, but the Hornets only prevailed once during that stretch.

If the Nets strike a deal with the Hornets for Ball, the organization could rescue the 2021 NBA Rookie of the Year while restoring order in Brooklyn. 

Assuming the Nets are looking for a franchise-elevating asset, Ball could receive a call from Brooklyn later this season.

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