LaMelo Ball secured a significant five-year, $203 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets in July 2023, marking a milestone in his ascent within the NBA. At the time, Ball was just over a year removed from his first All-Star appearance and had established himself as one of the youngest players to reach over 1,000 combined points, rebounds, and assists, trailing only LeBron James.
Despite these achievements, LaMelo’s rise has encountered obstacles, particularly due to recurring wrist and ankle injuries, including ones he was managing when he signed his new contract. Although productive when active, his inability to consistently remain on the court has limited his overall impact for Charlotte.
Since signing his extension, Ball has participated in only 69 of a possible 164 games, making his contract a source of debate given his injury history. The deal keeps him locked in with the Hornets until 2030, when he will finally become a free agent, raising questions about its value compared to his current availability.
De’Aaron Fox’s New Deal Puts LaMelo Ball’s Contract in Perspective
On Monday, De’Aaron Fox agreed to a four-year, $222 million extension with the San Antonio Spurs, pairing him with the highly touted Victor Wembanyama for the foreseeable future. Although San Antonio’s roster strategy raises questions—given overlap with other guards like Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle—Fox’s contract demands attention for its scale relative to his performance.
When examining their career statistics, Fox and Ball present similar numerical profiles. Fox averages 21.5 points per game compared to Ball’s 21.0, with both players showing comparable shooting percentages and contributions across rebounds and assists.
However, their styles differ markedly. Fox thrives as a pick-and-roll specialist, using speed and touch to break down defenses, and is noted for his competent perimeter defense based on physicality and lateral quickness. LaMelo’s game, which Hornets supporters are well acquainted with, contrasts with Fox’s but also carries its unique impact on the floor.
Overall, Fox may be considered a more reliable point guard due to his consistent health and production, positioning him slightly ahead of Ball in the NBA hierarchy. Yet, this difference is not reflected proportionally in their salary figures.
Salary Cap Considerations and Long-Term Value for Teams
Across his four-year extension, beginning in the 2026-27 season, Fox will command over 30% of the Spurs’ salary cap, a figure surpassing those of more highly regarded players like Karl-Anthony Towns, Luka Doncic, and Pascal Siakam. This sizable commitment raises concerns about San Antonio’s financial flexibility in the years ahead.
In contrast, LaMelo Ball’s deal, which runs through the 2028-29 season, will never exceed 25% of Charlotte’s cap space. Moreover, his modest annual raises are expected to be eclipsed by the league’s growing salary cap, reducing the overall burden of his contract as time progresses.
This timing appears advantageous for Charlotte, locking in a star player under favorable financial conditions while watching other players receive larger extensions. Ball’s contract may ultimately prove to be a bargain relative to his peers.
San Antonio’s Strategic Questions Amid Their Investment in Fox
The Spurs’ decision to invest heavily in Fox before Victor Wembanyama reaches his prime invites scrutiny. Keeping roster flexibility could have been prioritized to build a more balanced team around Wemby’s extraordinary talent. Committing such a large percentage of cap space to Fox, a player not widely regarded among the NBA’s top ten, might limit future roster moves.
While Wembanyama’s potential could compensate for some front office missteps, this contract may represent an unnecessary risk that San Antonio will need to manage carefully moving forward.
Broader Implications for Charlotte and San Antonio Moving Forward
Charlotte’s strategy in extending LaMelo Ball’s contract ahead of rival deals reflects a smart approach to talent retention and salary management, providing stability around their young star without overburdening future cap space. While injuries have hindered Ball’s continuity, the team’s investment positions them well for sustained competitiveness.
Meanwhile, San Antonio’s commitment to Fox adds an expensive piece to their roster puzzle but raises questions about long-term roster balance and cap health. How the Spurs integrate Fox alongside other emerging guards and Wembanyama will be crucial to their success.
Both contracts symbolize different philosophies and risk profiles in NBA team building, offering valuable case studies for how franchises value talent relative to salary and potential injury concerns.
“Dishing out that large sum of money to Fox ahead of Victor Wembanyama’s fully-developed prime is a puzzling choice.”
—Malquiza8, UNC Charlotte graduate and sports analyst
“LaMelo’s contract aging like a fine wine as his peers secure lucrative extensions.”
—Malquiza8, UNC Charlotte graduate and sports analyst