A bold Warriors-Hornets trade to right a past wrong..

The summer for the Golden State Warriors was a modest success. Klay Thompson’s departure undoubtedly led to the development of storylines, but Golden State won’t suffer. In the Warriors’ rotation, a well-executed combination of Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton, and Brandin Podziemski should more than sufficiently “replace” Thompson. As much as it ties in knots, the Warriors might have improved. As they say, addition by subtraction.

Golden State’s successful free agency signing class, which includes players like Kyle Anderson, Hield, and Melton, among others, was encouraging, but perhaps more so were the moves that Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the front office fell short on.

The Warriors were at the front of the line for Paul George, but the Clippers balked on a sign-and-trade in the 11th hour. Then, Golden State made a concentrated push for Lauri Markkanen before he inked his extension in Utah. Both would have profoundly improved Golden State’s title odds. The Warriors are without a comparable pivot at the moment, but rest assured that All-Stars can and will become available before the trade deadline.

Golden State is taking this thing seriously. Stephen Curry only has so much time left in the NBA and he’s still a top-five player. The Warriors owe it to him to build a contender. The best front offices operate on the basis of cold, hard logic, eschewing emotions to do what’s best for the team.

That principle has guided Golden State’s mini-youth movement in recent years, and understandably so, but Steph is a once-in-a-generation talent. If you don’t go all-in for as long as he’s on the roster, it’s a failure — not to mention a letdown for those of us watching at home.

So, why not circle back to the beginning of the Warriors’ so-called ‘two timlines’ and right a past wrong. Remember when James Wiseman was the No. 2 overall pick instead of LaMelo Ball? Logical though it seemed at the time, that decision has aged like cheese on a midsummer sidewalk.

Here is a trade that reverses course on that fateful misstep.

Warriors-Hornets trade to pair Stephen Curry and LaMelo Ball in Golden State backcourt

Golden State Warriors

RECEIVE

LaMelo Ball

Seth Curry

Charlotte Hornets

RECEIVE

Andrew Wiggins

Brandin Podziemski

Gary Payton II

2 Future First-Round Picks

Let’s address the elephant in the room. Why are the Charlotte Hornets trading LaMelo Ball

Although it’s a legitimate query, this transaction is a response to the continuous rumor of a connection between Ball and the Warriors. For months, this idea has been floated, primarily in response to the notion that Charlotte may try to retool and focus its rebuilding efforts on Brandon Miller, the runner-up for Rookie of the Year and last summer’s No. 2 pick.

While Ball was sidelined by injuries for a large portion of the previous season, Miller was quite productive right away for Charlotte. Once more. Ball has missed a lot of games in the beginning of his career. In his four NBA seasons, he has made appearances in more than 51 games once. Since Ball’s only All-Star season in 2021–2022, he hasn’t played in more than 36 games.

Obviously, Ball can’t control injuries. It sucks, and is a deeply unfortunate hurdle for such a talented prospect. The Hornets are long overdue for a breakthrough and yes, Ball can help facilitate such an ascent. However, if Charlotte decides to stop waiting on Ball, or believes that Miller is better situated as the primary halfcourt creator, suddenly the door opens for a trade.

Even with all the uncertainty, Ball ought to fetch a healthy return package at 22 years old. He’s a singular talent and the Warriors, clearly on the hunt for star power, should leap at the opportunity to add Ball. He is perfectly attuned to Golden State’s offensive philosophy — rapid-fire decisions, constant ball movement, and a knack for transition playmaking.

Ball is a point guard on paper, but he doesn’t domineer possessions. He is far more inclined to get the ball out of his hands quickly and play the connective role, whipping split-second dimes from every which angle. His ability to process the floor and locate open teammates several steps in advance is utterly special, and it would probably give Steve Kerr the spark plug he needs for this new-age Warriors lineup.

There are limitations to Ball’s game, of course — he lacks physicality on the defensive end and he’s not much of an at-rim scorer — but the deep 3s, endless confidence, and team-first approach should all balance out for Golden State.

The Warriors don’t get him for cheap. Brandin Podziemski was the primary holdup in Markkanen talks and I’d imagine Golden State tries to keep him out of Ball negotiations, too. But, with another guard coming back, it becomes a bit easier to stomach. This trade facilitates a more substantial role for Moses Moody, which is long overdue, and reaffirms the value of Melton, Anderson, and other recent additions.

Andrew Wiggins’ bad contract is a hurdle to clear, but the Hornets could value his solid 3-and-D skill set. Podziemski is an excellent building block next to Brandon Miller, while Gary Payton’s expiring salary is a potential bargaining chip in future trades.

Oh, and the Warriors get Seth Curry, which is a fun wrinkle and probably not necessary to greasing the wheels on this trade.