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The Charlotte Hornets host: Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, Andrew Wiggins, 2026 first-round pick, 2027 first-round trade, 2028 first-round pick, 2029 first-round trade, 2030 first-round pick (protected Nos. 21-30; becomes 2031 second-round pick if not traded)
The Golden State Warriors receive: LaMelo Ball
Warning before we begin: I don’t think the Hornets must or even should trade LaMelo Ball. But given their move toward a full rebuild and his history of ankle issues, he feels like a candidate to enter the “Surprise! We traded him!” mix.
Putting him on the Warriors is unintentionally comical. They could have drafted him in 2020. Instead, they’re giving up a bunch of stuff to get him four-plus years later.
That’s fine. LaMelo carries a lot of risk, but he does a better job of riding now and later for the Dubs than someone like Lauri Markkanen. His passing and shooting are better equipped to support an offense as a central option. And while his finishing still leaves a lot to be desired, he did a better job on offense down the stretch before getting hurt last year.
The funding on his five-year, $203.9 million contract shouldn’t bother the Warriors if he’s healthy. already interested in Markkanenand it will cost more per year if he orders something close to his maximum. If they are willing to pay him and Jonathan Kuminga in the future, the math should not change when it comes to LaMelo.
Wing depth is a bigger concern. Wiggins is coming off a couple of rough seasons but remains a very important piece for Golden State. Trading away him and Moody for a bigger guard puts a lot of pressure on Kuminga, Kyle Anderson, De’Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II.
The Warriors could try to make a deal without Moody. Or by adding salary (Kevon Looney?) and supporting cast to extract Cody Martin. But the elements of that package shouldn’t be an obstacle. That includes losing Podziemski. Despite all he does so goodLaMelo is more likely to become the star bridge capable of optimizing two eras.
Charlotte must Really The Hornets think Golden State will be cooked in the post-Steph years to co-sign this deal. If management thinks there’s less than a 50% chance the 2030 first-rounder gets traded, that significantly reduces the appeal. But if the Hornets see it as Podz, Moody, three first-round picks, at least one exercisable, a shorter-term contract they can trade later (Wiggins) and the ability to spice up their own draft lottery stock, that should warrant a conversation.
