On May 16, Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball confidently forecasted that his younger brother, LaMelo Ball, will be traded to the Los Angeles Clippers during this summer’s NBA offseason. This bold prediction comes amid speculation surrounding the Charlotte Hornets’ forthcoming roster moves and the positioning of draft picks this year.
Lonzo Ball’s forecast includes the fourth overall selection in the NBA Draft, which he believes will be used by the Hornets to select Dylan Harper. This, according to Lonzo, would open the pathway for LaMelo Ball to be traded to the Clippers.
“I low-key got Dylan Harper going to the Hornets,” Ball said, sharing his draft prediction. “… and I got [La]Melo going to the Clip[per]s”
—Lonzo Ball, Chicago Bulls Point Guard
Throughout his eight-year NBA career, Lonzo has experienced three trades, including a significant move as part of the Anthony Davis trade in 2019, which sent him to the New Orleans Pelicans. He was later traded to the Bulls in 2021. Given this background, his insight into potential player trades has gained attention.
Since being drafted by the Hornets in 2020, LaMelo Ball has played exclusively for the Charlotte team. He earned the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2021 and secured an All-Star selection the following year. Despite his early career success, injuries have limited his performance and affected the Hornets’ overall success. The team finished the most recent season with a 19-63 record, securing the fourth overall draft pick.
LaMelo Ball’s injury struggles, coupled with changes in Charlotte’s ownership since his arrival, have contributed to ongoing trade rumors. On a recent episode of The WAE Show, Lonzo reaffirmed his prediction about his brother’s possible move.
“I’m gonna stand on what I said, I’ll leave it at that,” Ball said about his bold prediction.
—Lonzo Ball, Chicago Bulls Point Guard
The Los Angeles Clippers have room to enhance their roster after falling to the Denver Nuggets in a seven-game first-round playoff series. In Game 7, All-Star point guard James Harden struggled, raising questions about the team’s depth at the point guard position and increasing the likelihood of offseason changes to improve their competitiveness.
Evaluating LaMelo Ball’s Trade Potential According to NBA Experts
The Hornets face a critical offseason with numerous roster decisions ahead. They will welcome a top prospect from this year’s draft to join a young core that includes Brandon Miller, Mark Williams, and Tidjaune Salaun. However, NBA insider Sam Amico has revealed that LaMelo Ball may not be the Hornets’ most valuable player as they plan for the future.
“One opposing executive told Hoops Wire that he’s been led to believe Brandon Miller is the lone untouchable on Charlotte’s roster — though he doesn’t think LaMelo Ball or Miles Bridges will be moved,” Amico said. “‘No one would pay what the Hornets are surely seeking for (either player),’ the executive said.”
—Sam Amico, NBA Insider
This suggests that while LaMelo Ball might remain with Charlotte, the organization’s prioritization of other players and the high trade cost could complicate any deal. LaMelo’s nearly $38 million salary for next season may also dampen potential trade interest from championship contenders.
Why the Clippers Consider LaMelo Ball a Valuable Addition
The Clippers’ current roster faces challenges related to aging and performance. Key players Kawhi Leonard and James Harden are both over 30 years old, as is Norman Powell. Bringing in LaMelo Ball would add youthful energy and quickness to a roster criticized for its sluggishness, addressing urgent needs in their backcourt.
Lonzo Ball believes that adding LaMelo to the Clippers could significantly improve their chances of advancing deeper into the playoffs, providing a boost in pace and playmaking ability critical for a team striving to contend.
As the NBA offseason unfolds, the potential for a LaMelo Ball trade remains a storyline to watch closely, carrying implications for the Hornets’ rebuilding plans and the Clippers’ pursuit of championship contention.