Tim MacMahon recently joined Brian Windhorst on The Hoop Collective, hinting that the Charlotte Hornets might move on from LaMelo Ball at the February 2026 trade deadline. "If LaMelo plays well early in the season, it could be an interesting trade deadline," MacMahon said.
If he does become available, the Portland Trail Blazers should try to get in on the Ball sweepstakes.
At first glance, the fit doesn't quite make sense for Portland. After adding Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday this summer, they already have a backcourt logjam that needs solving. Ball is also a below-average defender, which doesn't align with Portland's identity. However, these reasons are precisely why Portland should target the polarizing star.
The Blazers should already be considered a top ten defense. They have four All-Defense players: Robert Williams III, Holiday, Matisse Thybulle, and the recent addition of Toumani Camara. Elite rim protector Donovan Clingan could also easily join that list in the near future. Portland already has a contender-level defense, which is well-equipped to cover for an offensive-minded star like Ball. They can afford to take a slight dip defensively if it means addressing key roster flaws, preventing them from having a higher overall ceiling. Portland needs more playmaking, shooting, and star power, all of which Ball provides.
Scoot Henderson for LaMelo Ball?
MacMahon hinting that Charlotte may explore trade options for Ball at the deadline is also perfect timing for Portland. It gives them from late October to February 6 to see if they need a backcourt upgrade.
Lillard will still be out recovering from his Achilles injury, while Anfernee Simons and Dalano Banton are being replaced with less ball-dominant guards in Holiday and Blake Wesley (relative to Banton). As a result, Portland's offseason moves put Scoot Henderson in an ideal spot to succeed in his third year.
But it's also a sink-or-swim situation for Henderson.
Blazers general manager Joe Cronin recently mentioned, "It's winning time now for the Trail Blazers. Chauncey [Billups] and I have been saying that since last season."
Last season, Henderson averaged 12.7 points, 5.1 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game. He improved from his shaky rookie season, but still isn't at the level of being a starting point guard for a team that wants to win now.
Compare that to Ball's 25.2 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.9 rebounds, and it's easy to see how this would be a significant upgrade for Portland despite any concerns surrounding Ball's defense, flashy plays, or impact on winning.
Charlotte is taking a more patient rebuilding approach than Portland, partly because the Blazers' young core is too good to tank. They make a lot of sense as a landing spot for Henderson to provide him the development time he may need.
Meanwhile, Ball is only two years older at 23, but is already developed enough to help Portland achieve its win-now goals. His immediate impact and youth are a perfect combination for a Blazers roster that is caught between timelines.
Hopefully, Henderson has the third-year breakout he's shown flashes of achieving. But if that isn't the case, Ball is an intriguing contingency plan.