“Lonzo Ball could team up with LaMelo Ball this offseason”: NBA trade rumors suggest Pelicans could sign-and-trade star guard to Hornets for Devonte Graham

Lonzo Ball could be on his way to the Charlotte Hornets to team up with brother, LaMelo Ball, via a sign-and-trade in exchange for Devonte Graham. 

Lonzo Ball has been a hot commodity within the NBA ever since the mid-way point of the 2020-21 season. It would’ve been unimaginable to consider the oldest Ball brother to be a player worth around $20 million a year prior to commencement of last season. However, after becoming a solid shooter from beyond the arc, several teams are interested in acquiring him. 

As the 2021 trade deadline approached, Lonzo Ball was heavily linked to the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls did make waves during that period by signing All-Star center, Nikola Vucevic, but did not bite on a Lonzo trade. Fast-forward nearly 6 months and the Bulls are still interested in teaming him up with Zach Lavine.

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Another team that’s been mentioned to be in the Lonzo Ball sweepstakes is the New York Knicks. Last year’s Playoffs proved that relying on a 32-year-old Derrick Rose for offense is not the formula for winning down the stretch. Lonzo would be a perfect fit alongside guys like RJ Barrett and Julius Randle as he doesn’t need the ball in his hands at all times. 

LaMelo Ball could be playing with Lonzo Ball in Charlotte come next season. 

Feels as though LaVar Ball’s prophecy of his 3 sons playing together in Charlotte may have an actual chance of happening. With LiAngelo Ball signed to the Hornets’ Summer League squad, the only missing piece to complete the trifecta is Lonzo Ball. According to John Hollinger, this team-up may actually take place. 

As the Hornets are well over the cap, sign-and-trades are what they can utilize to acquire new talent. Them drafting James Bouknight has resulted in a plethora of score-first guards flooding their roster. Getting rid of one, like Devonte Graham, and replacing him with the defensive minded, sharpshooting Lonzo Ball may not be a stretch.

“However, one late, hot item I’ve heard is that a double sign-and-trade may be in the works that sends [Lonzo] Ball to Charlotte and Devonte’ Graham back to New Orleans.” 👀

(via @johnhollinger) pic.twitter.com/KjHDYteXWT

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) August 2, 2021

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With the oldest Ball brother being an ideal fit on quite nearly every single team that needs a facilitating, spot-up shooter, it’ll be interesting to see who coughs up the $20 million a year deal first.