East Notes: Hornets, LaMelo Ball, Hawks, John Collins, Knicks

Hornets

Point guard LaMelo Ball re-injured his troublesome ankle during the Hornets’ game against the Rockets, forcing him to exit for the night.

Ball has suffered a sprained ankle twice already this season. The latest injury occurred midway through the third quarter when teammate P.J. Washington landed on Ball’s leg. Ball appeared to roll the ankle when the incident happened. He was 4-of-16 shooting at the time.

Injuries have played a major role in the Hornets being perhaps the NBA’s biggest disappointment this season. Hoops Wire will have more on Ball as the news becomes available.

• As we relayed earlier this week, it appears that just about everyone on the Hornets’ roster other than Ball is available ahead of the Feb. 9 trade deadline. We have the details here.

Hawks

Opposing teams may consider the contract of forward John Collins as a hindrance in trade talks, as relayed by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, via Rory Maher of Hoops Rumors.

“John Collins has been at the center of their trade talks,” Wojnarowski said on NBA Countdown, via Maher. “… Starting next year, (he’s) still owed another $25 million a year, essentially $75 million over the next three years. I think that’s been a hindrance in the trade market. There are some teams, such as Utah, that would like a draft pick with Collins to offset that money.

“Landry Fields, the new general manager in Atlanta, he does not see John Collins as a money dump.”

• The Jazz and Wizards are among the teams repeatedly mentioned as Collins suitors. We have the latest Collins trade talk right here.

Knicks

• Forward Cam Reddish continues to be drawing trade interest, with the Lakers “pushing” for a deal, per Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports.
• The Lakers are said to be making guard Kendrick Nunn available as part of a Reddish trade, per Deveney. It is not known if the Knicks have an interest, though, as they are likely seeking a frontcourt player and pick in return for Reddish.
• The Mavericks and Bucks are also believed to be in heavy pursuit of Reddish, as we relayed here. Much of where he goes next will depend on the Knicks’ asking price.
• The Knicks are continuing to explore potential deals involving point guard Derrick Rose, per multiple reports.