While there have been conflicting reports, the Charlotte Hornets and LaMelo Ball heading for divorce is a storyline many in the NBA are keeping an eye on. If that does come to fruition, it wouldn't be too shocking if the Milwaukee Bucks were linked to Ball, even if just for explanatory purposes. What might it take? Bleacher Report and FanSided writer Zach Buckley proposed a mock trade.
Bucks could use a star, but Ball is risky
On paper, there is a lot to like about Ball. He's a 6-foot-7 point guard with incredible chops as a passer, averaging a career-best 9.6 assists per contest this season. On top of that, he's put up over 20 points per game every year of his career outside of his first season, in which he won Rookie of the Year. With a putrid offense when Giannis Antetokounmpo sits, the Bucks could use a complementary star.
Yet, there are plenty of concerns that come with LaMelo Ball.
Right off the bat, injuries come to mind. He's played more than 51 games just once in his entire six-year NBA career. This season, he has only played in nine. Injuries have been Milwaukee's downfall in recent years, and even this season, they've already been bitten by the injury bug countless times. Adding an oft-injured star isn't fixing anything.
Then there is the fit in Milwaukee. If Ryan Rollins' mind-blowing surge says anything, it's that players who can play on both sides of the ball are what teams need. While Ball can put up gaudy numbers on offense, his defense has always been lacking. After everything the team just went through with fellow star point guard Damian Lillard, going all-in on two-way players feels like the proper move.
Diving deeper, the fit with Giannis just isn't great. Milwaukee needs someone who can play off the ball often to let the Greek Freak run the show. It's one of the reasons Jrue Holiday was so impactful during his time with the Bucks. Giannis could cook while Holiday played defense and hit open triples. On the other hand, Ball needs the ball and is a streaky outside shooter on his very best day.
It's just not the type of move the Bucks should make. If they trade for Ball, they have to simply keep their fingers crossed that he stays healthy. If he suffers an injury, the Bucks just gave up their most valuable draft asset — a first-round pick in 2031 — and could very well lose Giannis in the process if the ship sinks and this becomes another lost season.
It's not the worst deal, but there are better trades out there that fit Giannis and this roster better.
This also likely wouldn't satisfy the Hornets. Ball has his concerns, but they could likely do better than one first-rounder, an inconsistent Kyle Kuzma, and Bobby Portis, who is having a troubling year in a Milwaukee Bucks jersey. They'd likely want a collection of picks and young players that Milwaukee simply doesn't have to offer.
Grade: C
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.