The Charlotte Hornets have officially moved on from LaMelo Ball, ending six years with the dynamic point guard as their franchise cornerstone. The trade, finalized in the 2026 offseason, leaves Brandon Miller stepping into a new leadership role as the Hornets begin a fresh chapter focused on building around him and Kon Knueppel.
Miller, now entering his fourth NBA season, is no stranger to Ball’s presence on the court. Until this offseason, he had only known the Hornets as a team led by Ball. The shift is significant. Ball’s departure, along with that of Miles Bridges—who was the longest-tenured active player before also being traded—marks the end of an era. Miller acknowledged the challenge but accepted the reality of the NBA’s business side.
“Definitely a tough moment, but we also have to realize the business side of the NBA,” Miller said. “I always preach, I’ll always be a brother away from home to LaMelo, Miles, Mark, even the previous guys. It keeps going.”
Ball’s six-year tenure with the Hornets never yielded a playoff appearance, a fact that likely influenced the front office’s decision to part ways. The Hornets now hope to build a new identity with Miller and Knueppel as the cornerstones. Miller’s growth as a player has been steady since being the first pick after Victor Wembanyama in the 2023 NBA Draft, and the franchise appears ready to lean on him for leadership both on and off the court.
The transition won’t be simple. Miller and his teammates have been accustomed to Ball being the main man, the playmaker who shaped the team’s offensive flow. With his exit, Miller needs to adjust quickly and embrace the responsibilities that come with being a star player and leader. His teammates have expressed confidence in his potential; Naz Reid recently described Miller as an All-NBA talent, while Tracy McGrady has identified him as the Hornets’ next franchise player.
The reshuffling in Charlotte extends beyond Miller and Ball. Coby White’s leadership has become increasingly important for the 2026-27 Hornets culture, while new arrivals like Reid are already contributing to the team’s evolving dynamics. Meanwhile, the Hornets and Miller face a deadline to agree on a contract extension, adding pressure to his role as a cornerstone of the franchise’s future.
Ball’s impact on the league remains notable beyond Charlotte. His on-court intensity was highlighted during the 2025-26 season when Bam Adebayo suffered an injury involving Ball, an incident that stayed in the headlines. Yet, for the Hornets, the focus is on what comes next.
Miller’s candid reflections on the trade and his readiness to move forward underline the Hornets’ shifting priorities. As the team rebuilds, the spotlight will be on how Miller adapts to leading a roster that no longer revolves around LaMelo Ball.
According to Yahoo Sports.
