The Charlotte Hornets can rest easy knowing that their superstar point guard is willing to stick around and lead the team.
LaMelo Ball has been with the Charlotte Hornets since being selected third in the 2020 NBA Draft. It has been a rollercoaster ride for Ball and the Hornets because they are always exciting to watch. However, the 23-year-old’s injury history has become a big problem for the organization.
The uncertainty around Ball’s status every season has made fans and analysts question his standing with the team.
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LaMelo Ball wants to stay in Charlotte
As the Hornets’ 2024-25 season ended on Monday, April 14, Ball quieted rumours of him leaving Charlotte for another team.
“All that you need to leave and this and that, when you build something it’s never just gonna pop off and be the best thing. You gotta stay there and work it out,” Ball said to the press after the game against Boston.
Despite Gordon Hayward speaking about a possible trade, Ball will not request a trade out of Charlotte, as he wants to keep playing for the Hornets. LaMelo also needs to fulfil his contract, as he signed a five-year $200+ million deal that will last through the 2028-29 NBA season.
The 24-25 campaign was promising for LaMelo, as he had a productive year. He averaged 25.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game.
He only played 47 games but is steadily improving and getting healthier as the years go by. The 2025-26 season will be significant for Charlotte, as he and Brandon Miller will be fully healthy by then.
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The future is bright in Charlotte
Apart from Ball leading the charge, the Hornets have a promising group of players. Miller is his best teammate, but people did not see his improvements from his rookie year, as he played only 27 games this season.
Ball and Miller are good, but they also have a budding supporting cast, including Mark Williams and Tre Mann. They are not as well-known as other teams, but the Hornets have a promising team that could make some noise in the 25-26 campaign when everyone is healthy.
With Ball’s verbal commitment, Hornets general manager Jeff Peterson and the rest of the front office have some work to do.
They need to surround Ball with the best players possible, and that could be done with valuable trades and good picks in the upcoming 2025 Draft, where they will likely have a high selection again.
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