Exciting! Ball plus Edwards! Report: NBA could be heading for another major trade

"LaMelo Ball has already unfollowed the Hornets' official account on Instagram...

Prior to this, insider Shams reported:The Hornets are discussing a trade for Ball with multiple teams, which could materialize within 24-48 hours.

Renowned reporters Stein and Fischer followed up, saying:The Timberwolves and Raptors are pursuing Ball.

The Timberwolves are indeed seeking an All-Star backcourt partner for Edwards, and Ball has long been on their radar.

The 2020 third overall pick, born August 22, 2001, a combo guard standing 2.01m with a 2.03m wingspan, is under contract through the summer of 2029, with his remaining three seasons totaling approximately $130 million.

In his six seasons with the Hornets, Ball has put up impressive individual numbers—winning Rookie of the Year in 2020-21 and earning an All-Star selection in 2021-22—but has never led the team to the playoffs, earning him the label of "stats padder."

Last season, Ball played 72 regular-season games (69 starts), averaging 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.2 steals in 28 minutes per game, shooting 40.7% from the field and 36.8% from three (3.8 makes on 10.3 attempts). His offensive game is one-dimensional and inefficient, doing more harm than good for the Hornets—a Curry-like success is hard to replicate.

One key reason the Hornets are now openly shopping Ball is that they have found a new face of the franchise in 2025 first-round pick (No. 4 overall) Knecht, who had a phenomenal rookie season, averaging 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while knocking down 3.4 three-pointers per game at a 42.5% clip. Unfortunately, Rookie of the Year honors still went to fellow rookie and No. 1 overall pick Flagg (averaging 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals).

Out with the old, in with the new—the sweetheart has become yesterday's news.

But at the end of the day, Ball's talent simply hasn't reached untouchable status, and now he's close to being cast aside.

Competitive sports are brutally realistic, showing compassion only to those truly worthy players.