The Hornets may be preparing to make one of the biggest moves of the offseason.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Charlotte is actively engaged in trade discussions involving All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball, with multiple teams “strongly” pursuing him.
Charania added that several clubs have submitted “aggressive” offers and that there’s a legitimate chance Ball could be moved if a team is willing to meet the Hornets’ asking price.
Additional reporting from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line identified the Timberwolves and Raptors as two of the teams showing serious interest.
Fischer added that Ball had been looking forward to returning to Charlotte after helping lead the Hornets to the play-in tournament this past season, but confirmed that the trade discussions are legitimate.
According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Toronto’s interest in Ball dates back to last summer, with the Raptors recently renewing trade talks with Charlotte.
The Timberwolves, meanwhile, could attempt to expand the three-team deal that is already sending Julius Randle to Brooklyn, according to salary cap analyst Yossi Gozlan. Such a move would likely require Minnesota to include additional salary, young players and draft assets.
Whether it’s Minnesota, Toronto or another team, league observers believe it will take a significant package to pry Ball away from Charlotte.
But after weeks of speculation surrounding stars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jaylen Brown, Ball has quickly become one of the NBA’s biggest names to watch.
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