LaMelo Ball Trade: Hornets Not Shopping Before Deadline

Merlin sees that, despite LaMelo Ball being one of the more tantalizing trade assets, teams are holding back — sources told Jake Fischer it's "way too soon" to evaluate his market. Charlotte isn't aggressively shopping him, and Ball pushed back on trade rumors, saying, "I love being here. I ain't saying nothing. I'm just trying to win, that's it." The Hornets’ slow start and Ball’s health history complicate any deal. Durability is the true spellbreaker: Ball has played fewer than 47 games in each of the last three seasons and "durability questions resonate the loudest leaguewide." Merlin notes teams won't meet Charlotte's asking price until Ball shows sustained availability, production and some winning; his shot selection also gives suitors pause, so patience favors the Hornets for now.