The Cleveland Cavaliers have engaged in preliminary talks with the Charlotte Hornets about a possible Lonzo Ball trade, sources told Marc Stein and Jake Fischer on The Stein Line on Tuesday. Discussions reportedly revolve around sending Ball to Charlotte in exchange for second‑round draft capital that would help the Hornets pair him with brother LaMelo Ball.
League sources say Charlotte, Brooklyn and Utah have been exploring multi‑team trades or ways to absorb unwanted salary for draft compensation, with Cleveland’s Ball discussions among those talks. The Hornets currently occupy 11th in the Eastern Conference at 23‑28, positioned outside the play‑in tournament bracket but within striking distance.
Ball, 28, is in the first year of a two‑year, $20 million contract with a team option for next season, providing some financial appeal for a rebuilding Charlotte squad. On the season, he has played 35 games, averaging 4.6 points and 3.9 assists in a limited role for the Cavaliers.
Cleveland recently made a deadline move on Feb. 1, acquiring Keon Ellis, Emanuel Miller and Dennis Schroder, while sending a future second‑round pick, and De’Andre Hunter to the Chicago Bulls and Sacramento Kings respectively.
The Hornets present a unique storyline with LaMelo Ball, 24, averaging 19.0 points, 7.6 assists and 4.8 rebounds across 40 games this season. A potential reunion with Lonzo would mark an unusual NBA pairing of brothers on the same active roster.
Charlotte’s current rotation is headlined by Brandon Miller, who is scoring 20.8 points per game, and key contributors like Kon Knueppel and Miles Bridges, giving the Hornets a mix of youth and experience.
Cleveland’s core includes Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, with the team holding a 30‑21 record and a fifth‑place Eastern Conference standing.
Ball’s limited offensive production this season reflects a shift from his early career defensive identity and playmaking role, making his fit in Cleveland’s rotation variable. His presence has been more notable for facilitating ball movement and perimeter defense rather than scoring.
Sources did not indicate that talks have progressed into firm offer stages, and it remains unclear whether the Cavs would prioritize draft capital over rotational continuity. Multi‑team scenarios could open additional avenues for execution before Thursday’s deadline.
