NBA trade proposal sends LaMelo Ball to Mavs, Klay Thompson to Lakers in three-team blockbuster

Here comes another big one from the trade machine, and this one throws three franchises into the blender. Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report floated a proposal that sends LaMelo Ball to Dallas, Klay Thompson to Los Angeles and Rui Hachimura to Charlotte.

The framework:

Mavericks get: LaMelo Ball
Lakers get: Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford
Hornets get: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, Max Christie, Gabe Vincent and a 2029 unprotected first from the Lakers via Dallas

Swartz writes that “the LaMelo Ball era with the Charlotte Hornets is slowly coming to an end” and that Dallas “is desperate for anyone who can dribble and shoot to pair with Cooper Flagg.”

He also notes L.A. would happily reunite with a pair of Luka Doncic‘s former teammates.

Ball is averaging 19.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 8.5 assists and is reportedly open to a fresh start. (Something he has denied, by the way.) Nevertheless, Charlotte is 6-14 and still far from playoff soil.

The Mavs, sitting at 6-15 and still without Kyrie Irving, could use a lead guard in the worst way. The Lakers sit at 15-4 and nearly landed Thompson before he picked Dallas.

Hachimura has been excellent for L.A., averaging 14.8 points while shooting 54.5 percent overall and 46.1 percent from deep. His expiring deal fits the rebuild angle for Charlotte.

Would the league say yes to this? Probably not. Will fans click it anyway? You better believe it.