Nov 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) looks on in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

It's time for some spicy NBA trade rumors, and this time, it involves LaMelo Ball.

Per Yahoo's Kelly Iko, "Star guard LaMelo Ball has grown increasingly frustrated with the organization and is open to a trade away from the franchise."

It's felt inevitable that it would come to this with Ball, but it's tricky for a variety of reasons: The former Rookie of the Year is having a down year scoring-wise and with his shooting (38.5 percent from the field, 29.8 percent from three), and he's got a MASSIVE contract that will pay him through 2028-29, when he'll be owed $46.3 million that year.

So, who could trade for him? Let's brainstorm three teams:

Memphis Grizzlies

There's one deal everyone's talking about already: A Ja Morant swap:

Who says no? Hmmm.

Los Angeles Clippers

In the middle of a disappointing year... do they blow it all up for a young guard who could blossom with a change of scenery? Kawhi Leonard is hurt again, for what it's worth. I'm not sure what they could deal for Ball, but maybe John Collins' expiring deal leads the way.

New Orleans Pelicans

Is this a Zion Williamson deal? A Dejounte Murray contract dump? A Jordan Poole deal? Clearly, this is a franchise that needs to keep rebuilding, so this could be a landing spot.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: LaMelo Ball trade rumors: 3 possible destinations for Hornets star

Reporting by Charles Curtis, For The Win / For The Win

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