Reports indicated that Minnesota had one of the strongest chances to acquire two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo at the deadline, but the Milwaukee Bucks ultimately decided to keep their franchise cornerstone. The Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors both reached advanced stages in trade discussions before realizing that Milwaukee had no intention of moving Giannis and pivoted toward alternative plans.

NBA insider Chris Haynes revealed that Minnesota pursued another All-Star option after stepping away from Antetokounmpo talks. According to Haynes, the Timberwolves explored the possibility of trading for Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball, checking in with Charlotte to see if a deal could materialize.

Minnesota aimed to address its point guard needs by targeting Ball, but Charlotte’s recent surge played a decisive role. The Hornets were riding a seven-game winning streak at the time, and General Manager Jeff Peterson preferred to give the current core time to develop rather than disrupt momentum with a major trade.

The Timberwolves could land LaMelo Ball in the future

The Hornets deserve credit for trusting their roster and allowing the group to grow together, especially after a rough start to the season plagued by injuries. Despite the recent winning streak, Charlotte remains outside the NBA playoff picture, sitting eleventh in the Eastern Conference while pushing for a play-in spot.

If Charlotte’s momentum fades, roster changes could become necessary. LaMelo Ball appears to be the most likely trade candidate among the Hornets’ core players, with Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel both younger and on more team-friendly contracts.

Minnesota’s demonstrated interest positions the Timberwolves as a potential frontrunner should Charlotte decide to move Ball after the season. Until a long-term solution emerges, the point guard position will remain a priority for Minnesota as they continue building around Anthony Edwards.

“Star guard LaMelo Ball has grown increasingly frustrated with the organization and is open to a trade away from the franchise, multiple league sources told Yahoo Sports,” reported Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports.

However, Ball himself took immediate action to dismiss the rumor. Instead of using words, the 24-year-old guard chose to respond to Iko’s post on social media with a clown emoji, clearly signaling that the information was nothing more than a ridiculous rumor.

Iko’s report also suggested that the Hornets front office are considering moving on from Ball, whom they were initially confident in building around after drafting him with the first pick of the 2020 NBA Draft.

“League sources say the front office is increasingly hesitant about cementing Ball as a long-term foundational piece, has become disillusioned with the 24-year-old and is open to moving him,” Iko continued in his report. Ball chose not to comment on this specific information but made it clear that Iko’s report regarding his own trade request was untrue.

The Hornets can reverse the situation

Despite a bad start to the season and the shocking loss to the Pacers, the Hornets have the capability to reverse their situation. The key to this turnaround is Ball’s health, as the guard is the team’s leader, and they elevate their game to the next level when he is on the court. Ball has missed six games so far this season. Through nine contests, he is averaging 21.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 9.6 assists (leading the team), and 1.7 steals.

The Hornets are a completely different team when Ball is healthy, and they benefit from the outstanding performances of Miles Bridges, who has played every game and is averaging 22.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per contest.

Another bright spot for the team is fourth overall pick Kon Knueppel, who has impressed by averaging 18.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and three assists per game. Collin Sexton is another critical piece for Charles Lee’s team, serving as the driving force off the bench, where he averages 15.2 points through 14 games.

According to the official NBA injury report, the Hornets have listed LaMelo Ball as available to play (right ankle impingement) for tonight’s contest against the Timberwolves.

Ball has played in all five of the Hornets’ games this season and delivered a strong performance in the recent 107-123 loss to the Orlando Magic, where he posted 17 points, 13 assists, and seven rebounds

Tonight marks the first night of a back-to-back set for the Hornets, meaning it would not be surprising for the coaching staff to rest the star guard as a precautionary measure. Ball is Charlotte’s primary contributor, averaging a dynamic 24.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 10.2 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game.

Hornets battle mounting injuries

The Charlotte side has struggled with health since the start of the season, suffering key setbacks across their roster. Brandon Miller sustained a left shoulder injury during the second game, after opening the season with 25 points and seven assists.

In addition to Miller, the Hornets will be without Grant Williams (right knee surgery) and Josh Green (left shoulder surgery). With so many players sidelined, Tre Mann would probably get more participation, while Collin Sexton will serve as the primary offensive driving force off the bench, where he is currently averaging 18.6 points per contest.

“Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has been fined $35,000 for making an obscene gesture on the playing court, it was announced today by Jame Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations,” read an official NBA statement.

The incident occurred with four minutes left in the game when Ball was whistled for a foul after driving to the basket against Davion Mitchell. Immediately following the call, LaMelo flipped off the referee, earning himself a technical foul.

Ball’s obscene gesture toward the official unfortunately overshadows the strong performance he delivered against the Heat. Despite the lopsided loss, the Hornets guard nearly recorded his second triple-double of the season, tallying 20 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists.

The third overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft is enjoying a great start to the season. Through the Hornets’ first four games, he is averaging 26.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game, while shooting 44 percent from the field and nearly 40 percent from beyond the arc.

Ball’s second career fine

This fine marks the second penalty of Ball’s six seasons in the NBA. His previous fine came in 2023 when he was penalized $100,000 for using offensive language during a postgame interview.

At $35,000, the fine issued to Ball is currently the most expensive of the season. However, Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga also received a fine for the same amount during the NBA preseason for making physical contact with an official during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

The player in question is Drew Peterson, who has flown largely under the radar but debuted with Tatum’s Celtics. Thanks to his agents, he’ll now have the chance to reunite with a former coach in Charlotte.

“Former Celtics forward Drew Peterson has agreed to a two-way NBA deal with the Charlotte Hornets, agents Mike Silverman and Troy Payne of Equity Sports tell ESPN. Hornets’ Charles Lee coached Peterson in Boston two seasons ago,” Shams Charania reported on X.

Peterson Showed Promise in Boston

Despite playing very few games with the Boston Celtics, Drew Peterson made the most of his opportunity, earning his first career NBA start—a significant milestone for him. In the NBA, he averaged just 2.2 points per game. However, his performance in the G-League was notable, where he averaged 20 points per game with the Maine Celtics during the 2024-25 season across 15 starts.

Beyond his intriguing numbers, which could signal a worthwhile investment for any team’s future, head coach Joe Mazzulla had previously lauded Peterson’s defensive capabilities. “I always like guys who are better defenders than people think, like Sam. He’s a better defender than people think he is,” Mazzulla told Noa Dalzell in 2024.

Regarding his arrival in Charlotte, reactions to Peterson joining the Hornets have been positive. Owen O’Connor, a Sports Illustrated Hornets writer, detailed his potential impact: “Drew Peterson was solid when he received minutes during his two year stint in Boston. He’s fantastic shooting depth for the Hornets. Averaged 20/7/6 with 1.5 steals on 44/40/87 splits with the Maine Celtics this season.”

“I’m bothered if I don’t eat, if I ain’t got the meal, I’ll call my people, hopefully some food will come. Bother means like stuff throughout the day. Like the dog pisses on the floor or something like that, that bothers me. Little stuff like that. But telling you to go somewhere or do this, nah. It can’t,” stated LaMelo Ball as reported by Jerry Donatien.

In his fifth NBA season, LaMelo Ball is enjoying the best individual campaign of his career. He is averaging 25.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game, leading the Charlotte Hornets in both scoring and playmaking. Beyond his on-court production, Ball has also reaffirmed his commitment to the franchise: “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.”

For now, any talk of a trade request can be put to rest. Ball still has four years remaining on his $200 million contract with the team. However, the organization remains focused on getting him to stay healthy and available. He appeared in only 47 games this season and has not played more than 70 games since the 2021–22 campaign. If he can stay on the floor, his impact could be even greater as the Hornets look to return to playoff contention.

Hornets head coach Charles Lee shares expectations for LaMelo Ball ahead of 2025–26 NBA season

LaMelo Ball has firmly established himself as one of the most dynamic talents in the NBA, and new Hornets head coach Charles Lee is well aware of his star’s potential. As Ball prepares for his sixth season in the league, there are still key areas he needs to develop to reach the next level.

Speaking during his end-of-season interview for 2024-25, Lee did not hesitate to praise Ball’s impact on the court. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of continued growth as the franchise looks to turn a corner.

“Teams are trying to deny him, trying to be physical, and you can see early in the year when teams did it, it definitely bothered him…As he got used to it, he got a lot more comfortable, so it’s going to start with his body. He’s got to get stronger and more conditioned to be able to play both sides of the ball and sustain efforts… When you’re one of the best players in the league, you have to be ready for physicality. In order to combat that, you have to be stronger,” affirmed Charles Lee.

During a live stream, Irving lauded Ball for handling the spotlight from a young age and thriving despite constant public scrutiny. “We were signed to the same agency, Roc Nation, but I got to see him from afar,” Irving said. “I also have a healthy admiration for somebody who has been in the public eye for that long and is still ultra-successful. One of the best things is when a kid actually achieves the unachievable while still being on camera all the time. I don’t know what that’d be like—to be on camera all the time like he was.”

Ball is no stranger to the spotlight. He first gained national attention at just 14 years old, appearing alongside his brothers, Lonzo and LiAngelo, and their outspoken father, LaVar, in the reality series Ball in the Family, which debuted in 2017. Now, in 2025, LaMelo is 23 years old and wrapping up his fifth NBA season with the Hornets.

Does LaMelo Ball mirror Irving’s style?

As mentioned earlier, Ball‘s flashy ball-handling and streetball-inspired creativity evoke memories of Irving at his best. Both players thrive in improvisational, playground-style basketball, maintaining their signature flair even on the NBA’s biggest stage.

Since entering the league, Ball has displayed an elite level of creativity, something Irving believes he may have had an influence on. “This young kid—if there was anybody watching a lot of my film and studying, he’s definitely one of them,” Irving said.

The differences between Irving and Ball

Irving has crafted countless signature moments with the ball in his hands, earning widespread recognition as one of the most skilled players in NBA history. His ability to create space, maneuver through defenses, and finish near the rim remains unparalleled.

Ball, meanwhile, has his own unique approach to creating scoring opportunities. Whether through step-backs, lateral dribbles, or quick crossovers leading to a smooth floater, the Hornets star has developed into a dynamic offensive weapon in his own right.

While their styles may draw comparisons, both Irving and Ball bring something special to the game, each adding their own creative touch to the art of ball-handling and scoring.

While neither LaMelo nor Lonzo has won an NBA championship, both are well-regarded players, ensuring LaVar’s presence in NBA circles. Despite never playing in the league himself, LaVar has remained a recognizable figure, frequently attending games and making appearances at introductory press conferences.

As his sons made headlines with their performances, LaVar consistently made waves in the media. In 2020, he joined Club Shay Shay with Shannon Sharpe to weigh in on the never-ending GOAT debate, sharing his thoughts on the greatest player in NBA history.

“First of all, we can never determine who’s the GOAT—there’s no formula for it, which is why we keep debating it,” LaVar Ball said. “But I think it depends on who you grew up watching. You also measure the GOAT debate by victories. When you have losses on your record, you can’t be the GOAT. So, it’s always going to be Michael Jordan, until my boys surpass that, which is going to happen.“

Sharpe challenges LaVar Ball’s take on the GOAT debate

After LaMelo Ball’s father shared his thoughts on the greatest of all time (GOAT) debate, Sharpe wasted no time in responding. He countered LaVar’s argument with a key point about Jordan’s career and his path to NBA success. “You can’t say it’s all about the Finals. Jordan played in other seasons where he didn’t make it to the Finals, what about those?” Sharpe fired back at LaVar.

LaVar, however, remained firm in his stance, emphasizing championships as the ultimate measure of greatness. “Like I said, if you don’t get to the Finals, you’re off the hook,” he told Sharpe, making it clear that he still ranked LeBron James below Jordan in the debate.

The time LaVar Ball claimed he could beat Jordan one-on-one

Ball is no stranger to bold statements, especially when it comes to basketball. While he’s often spoken with confidence about his sons’ NBA potential, he has also made headlines for his own audacious claims, despite never playing in the league.

One of his most memorable takes came when he was asked whether he could beat Jordan in a one-on-one matchup. Without hesitation, LaVar doubled down with unwavering confidence.

“There’s no way he can beat me one-on-one. I was 6-foot-6, 270 [pounds], and benching 500 pounds. One-on-one? You’re going to need some help… I don’t care if you’re George Washington or Jesus, you can’t beat me one-on-one,” Ball said during a 2021 interview on 95.7 The Game.

LaMelo Ball isn’t just the face of the Charlotte Hornets; he’s their biggest bet for the future. With his overflowing talent and electrifying playing style, the team has made sure to lock him in: in 2023, he signed a contract worthy of a rising star.

He is already the undisputed leader of the team, and this investment is a clear sign that the Hornets see him as their cornerstone. The goal? To leave years of uncertainty behind and build a team that can seriously compete.

The pressure is on his shoulders, but if there’s one thing he has proven since entering the NBA, it’s that he thrives on the big stage. Can he turn the Hornets into true contenders? His contract and salary say yes.

What is LaMelo Ball’s salary?

In 2023, LaMelo Ball signed a five-year extension worth $203.85 million, securing his place with the team through the 2028-2029 season. This deal grants him an average annual salary of $40.77 million, according to Spotrac.

For the 2024-2025 season, he has a base salary of $35.15 million, which will increase in the following seasons: $37.96 million in 2025-2026, $40.77 million in 2026-2027, $43.58 million in 2027-2028, and $46.39 million in 2028-2029.

Before this extension, he was under his four-year rookie contract, valued at $35.5 million, with team options in the last two years. During that period, his average annual salary was approximately $8.9 million.

Beyond his earnings on the court, he has shown a strong commitment to social causes. In 2020, while playing for the Illawarra Hawks in Australia’s National Basketball League, he donated a month’s salary to help victims of the wildfires in New South Wales.

With this new contract, Ball not only cements himself as the highest-paid player on the Hornets but also strengthens his status as one of the NBA’s most promising and socially engaged young stars.

One of his biggest admirers is Josh Green, who knows firsthand what it’s like to play alongside NBA superstars. After spending four seasons with Luka Doncic on the Dallas Mavericks, Green now finds himself in Charlotte and can’t help but draw comparisons between his former teammate and LaMelo Ball.

“I think both of them have a high level of patience,” Green told Grant Afseth of RG. “They do a great job of slowing the game down and seeing things develop.” Doncic has long dominated the NBA as an MVP contender, and Ball is showing flashes of that same elite playmaking ability. According to Green, what truly sets both players apart is their ability to control the pace of the game.

“He reads the game so well at a young age,” Green said of Ball. “He’s a very fluent, confident guard, and it’s fun to play with him. He plays with supreme confidence, trusts his teammates, and makes the game easier for everyone around him.”

LaMelo snubbed from All-Star selection

Ball’s exclusion from the All-Star Game was one of the season’s biggest talking points, especially considering he led fan voting among guards. Ultimately, he was left off the roster—a decision some argue was justified given the Hornets’ struggles this season. Despite the team’s poor record, Ball has been putting up impressive numbers, averaging 28.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game while shooting 41.9% from the field.

Fresh off an NBA Finals run with Dallas, Green understands what it takes to compete at the highest level. While the Hornets aren’t there yet, he believes the team is on the right path—provided they stick to their strengths.

“Just continuing to play in transition—we’re a young team, and I think that works in our favor,” Green said. “Also, staying confident and trusting each other.” Green believes the Hornets have the potential to grow into contenders if they can build the right team around LaMelo Ball. With the right support, Charlotte could soon find itself climbing the ranks in the Eastern Conference.

Giannis leads all players with an impressive 1.7 million fan votes, closely followed by Jokic with 1.4 million. On the backcourt side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dominates the Western Conference voting with 1.05 million votes, while LaMelo Ball leads the Eastern Conference with 947,444 votes—despite missing 10 games this season due to injury.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise to the top of the Western Conference backcourt voting is no shock, considering his stellar season leading the Thunder to the best record in the West. However, LaMelo Ball’s position as the top vote-getter among Eastern Conference guards has raised eyebrows. Despite limited availability, Ball has dazzled fans with his flashy playstyle, reminiscent of his college days, earning him recognition as one of the league’s most exciting young stars.

This year, the NBA is introducing a new format for the All-Star Game. Departing from the traditional East vs. West matchup, the event will feature a tournament-style competition with three teams composed of selected All-Stars. The fourth team will be comprised of the winners of the Rising Stars Challenge, adding a fresh dynamic to the midseason spectacle.

Key stats of fan favorites

The Bucks superstar has been a force of nature this season, leading Milwaukee to victory in the inaugural NBA Cup. Through 25 games, Giannis is averaging a league-best 32.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game while shooting an astonishing 61.0% from the field. His dominance on both ends of the court makes him the clear favorite for the All-Star spotlight.

Nikola Jokic

The reigning MVP, Jokic, is having another jaw-dropping season, cementing his place among the league’s elite. In 29 games, Jokic is putting up 30.7 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per game while shooting 56.1% from the field and an incredible 49.2% from beyond the arc. Jokic also leads the league with 14 triple-doubles, underscoring his unparalleled versatility.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai continues to build his case for MVP, averaging 31.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game while shooting 52.8% from the field. His leadership has propelled Oklahoma City to the top of the Western Conference standings, solidifying his status as one of the league’s brightest stars.

LaMelo Ball

Despite missing time due to injury, Ball has captivated fans with his creative playmaking and scoring ability. Averaging 30.1 points and 7.4 assists per game, LaMelo ranks fourth in scoring this season. His charisma and highlight-reel plays have earned him widespread admiration and a surprising lead in the Eastern Conference backcourt voting.