LaMelo Ball appeared to dispute a report suggesting that he’s open to being traded out of Charlotte.
The Hornets star posted a clown emoji in response to a social media post about a Yahoo Sports report published Thursday evening that said he was “frustrated.”
According to the report, Ball is said to be open to a trade, having grown frustrated with the organization and the Hornets’ front office becoming disillusioned with him.
The reported turn in the relationship from Ball comes after the Hornets dropped to 4-11 with a loss to the Pacers on Wednesday night, a game Ball sat out the last 4:32 of regulation.
From the team’s perspective, according to the report, they’ve shifted their view on the 24-year-old and his ability to be a key piece to the franchise’s long-term plans, with the Hornets being “increasingly hesitant.”
The Hornets, who are also open to trading Ball elsewhere, reportedly seem more willing to build their offensive system around Brandon Miller and rookie Kon Knueppel.
One thing that could make moving Ball difficult is his contract, which is slated to pay him $37.9 million in 2025-26, since he still has more than $130 million coming to him over the next three years of the deal following this season.
Ball has played in nine games this season and has dealt with a right ankle injury.
He’s averaged 21.6 points, 9.6 assists and 6.9 rebounds this season.
Charlotte is 12th in the Eastern Conference ahead of only the Nets, Pacers and Wizards.
The Hornets’ only wins this season have come against the Nets, Wizards, Jazz and Bucks.
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