SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 22: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets celebrates a play during a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 22, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball responded to rumors surrounding his future in North Carolina.
The 24-year-old was reportedly open for a trade on Thursday following frustration within the team, according to Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports. However, Ball responded to the rumor by posting a clown emoji on social media.
On Friday, he spoke to reporters and dismissed the report.
“He never heard that come from me,” Ball said. “Source is not from me, so it’s false info. Got to let him know. I really don’t like commenting back on stuff, but when it gets too big, you’ve got to say something.”
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Ball is beginning his sixth season with the Hornets. He is averaging 21.2 points per game after 10 matches, where he’s been nursing an ankle injury. Charlotte is enduring another difficult start to the season, beginning the 2025-26 campaign 4-12 entering Sunday.
Since Ball’s arrival, the Hornets have yet to make the playoffs and have finished with fewer than 30 wins in the last three seasons. In Ball’s first two years, Charlotte twice finished 10th but lost both times in the play-in tournament.
“I love being here,” Ball said. “I ain’t saying nothing, I’m just trying to win. That’s what we’re going to keep doing.”
The Hornets will play two home NBA Cup games this upcoming week: first against the New York Knicks on Wednesday and then against the Chicago Bulls on Friday.
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