As trade season begins and the Sacramento Kings prepare for a major rebuild, there is a lot of temptation out there. There are potential big name trades that could make Sacramento's situation even worse. And one major trap to avoid is LaMelo Ball, who wouldn't bring any real change with him.
When the rumors start flying at this time of year, it gets interesting around the NBA. As usual, people are talking about Giannis Antetokounmpo leaving the Bucks, which comes up frequently yet never happens. Maybe this will be the time he finally jumps ship, and takes his brothers to the West Coast.
Another big one right now is the Memphis Grizzlies desperately wanting out of the Ja Morant business. It's honestly hard to tell if Ja is washed, or if he's so tired of playing for the Grizzlies that he's just not trying anymore. Neither is a good look for a young superstar searching for a new home.
The Kings definitely need to avoid signing Ja, but there's an even bigger concern in the Eastern Conference. It seems the Charlotte Hornets may want to trade the injury-prone, underwhelming former first-round draft pick, LaMelo Ball. Sacramento definitely should avoid taking that bait.
LaMelo Ball does nothing for the Kings
It feels like a lifetime ago, but LaMelo was only drafted in 2020 by the Hornets. He went third overall, and was named Rookie of the Year. Keep in mind that means the Hornets passed up on Tyrese Haliburton, Tyrese Maxey, and a few other solid players who could have done great work for them.
Ball's is a massive injury risk, and has missed a lot of time over the years. While he does have brilliant games, more often then not he doesn't seem to take basketball seriously. It's an issue that plagues his reputation as he comes across as more concerned about business and brand over the game.
Much like how the Kings need to trade Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis to fix their losing franchise, the Hornets need to do the same with LaMelo. He has a massive contract that is preventing Charlotte from making the moves needed to grow. Sound familiar?
Trading Ball for LaVine, or something like that, does nothing for the Kings. It's a superficial change that ultimately leaves them in the same position they were before with an underperforming star on a money-hungry contract. Hopefully, the Kings steer clear of this one.