The Charlotte Hornets' front office is confident they made the right call in trading away LaMelo Ball, citing the team's new era with Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel as the franchise players.
The Hornets have pivoted away from the previous era, not only trading Ball but also Miles Bridges. This move seems to be part of a larger plan to build a more balanced team, according to the front office. They believe a more balanced roster is what they need to succeed.
While Ball was a cornerstone point guard, the Hornets had a promising 2025-26 season. However, they are now focusing on building around Miller and Knueppel, who fit the bill for the modern NBA star with their shooting and length.
It's worth noting that Ball failed to lead the Hornets into the Playoffs, and he will now be playing as a clear #2 guy behind Anthony Edwards in Minnesota. The Hornets think they are building the team well, and it's hard to blame them, given the potential of Miller and Knueppel.
A Hornets front office executive told Spotrac's Keith Smith, "When you trade someone as good and as popular as LaMelo, you have to get it right. We think we did. Coby is a starting point guard. Brandon needs a new deal, and he needs the ball more. Same with Kon as far as needing the ball. Getting all of those picks, plus Naz Reid to help our frontcourt, it was the right move at the right time."
The Hornets' decision to trade Ball and pivot towards a new era will be interesting to track, especially as they build around Miller and Knueppel. It remains to be seen how the team will perform without a talismanic player like Ball.
Source: Yahoo Sports