The Golden State Warriors could be eyeing a trade for Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball, whose value has soared despite the team’s ongoing struggles. Ball, who is on a $203 million max extension signed in 2023, is considered one of the league’s most promising young talents. At just 23 years old, he’s already an elite playmaker with a unique blend of vision, scoring ability, and rebounding, making him an attractive addition to any roster.
For the Warriors, acquiring LaMelo would provide the team with a long-term solution at point guard, a position they’ve been searching to stabilize post-Stephen Curry. Although Curry remains one of the league’s best players, the Warriors have faced injuries and the inevitable decline that comes with age. LaMelo could eventually take the reins, building the next era of Warriors basketball. His ability to play off the ball would also complement Curry, creating a dynamic backcourt that would still make Golden State a contender in the near future.
To make such a trade feasible, the Warriors would likely have to part with a combination of veteran players and assets, such as Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, or potentially young players like Moses Moody and draft picks. Given the Hornets’ recent rebuilding efforts, they might prefer to land veterans in exchange for LaMelo, who still has a long way to go before leading Charlotte into playoff contention.
However, the Hornets may hesitate to part with their franchise player unless they receive an overwhelmingly strong offer. If the Warriors can match that, a blockbuster trade could reshape both teams’ futures. With Ball’s potential and Golden State’s championship pedigree, the pairing could provide both immediate success and long-term stability for the Warriors’ future.