NBA trade proposal sends Hornets’ LaMelo Ball to Kings

Could the Kings finally land their star point guard?

One hypothetical deal from Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz suggests it might take a massive swing — and a willingness from Charlotte to reset around its younger core.

Swartz floated a proposal that would send LaMelo Ball to Sacramento in exchange for a mix of veterans, prospects, and picks.

The idea? To give the Kings a legitimate floor general to run alongside Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis, while the Hornets pivot toward a full rebuild around Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel.

Proposed Trade (via Greg Swartz, Bleacher Report)

Kings receive: LaMelo Ball

Hornets receive: DeMar DeRozan, Dario Saric, Devin Carter, a 2027 first-round pick (via San Antonio), and a 2031 first-round pick (via Minnesota)

Swartz wrote that “a point guard rotation consisting of Dennis Schroder and Russell Westbrook is not going to make the playoffs in the year 2026,” adding that if there’s ever a team that should gamble on Ball’s star potential, “it’s these Sacramento Kings.”

Why It Works for the Hornets

For Charlotte, this deal would be about assets and direction. DeRozan brings short-term scoring and veteran mentorship, while Carter gives the Hornets a young two-way guard to develop. Saric adds frontcourt experience, and mostly, an expiring deal that could open cap space.

The real value comes from the two first-rounders, giving Charlotte added flexibility as it leans further into its youth movement.

Why It Works for the Kings

Sacramento, meanwhile, would finally land the kind of dynamic creator it’s lacked. Ball, still just 24, is averaging 24.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 10.2 assists this early season, and his playmaking would fit naturally with Sabonis’ passing and LaVine’s scoring.

His volume shooting also could be toned down in a more structured offense.

The gamble, as always, is health. Ball has missed extended stretches throughout his career, and durability remains a concern.

But when he’s right, few guards in the league match his combination of flair and vision.

The Big Picture

For now, this remains just a Bleacher Report proposal, but it’s an intriguing one.

Sacramento has been searching for the right mix since its brief playoff appearance two years ago, while Charlotte continues to hover in no-man’s land.

If both sides are willing to shake things up, this kind of deal could perhaps change the trajectories of both franchises.