Rumor Hive

ESPN First Take Segment Transcript

Date: July 29, 2025

Topic: LaMelo Ball Trade Rumors

Panel: Stephen A. Smith, Paul Pierce, Kendall Gill (former Hornet)

🎙️MOLLY QERIM:

Welcome back to First Take. Breaking news out of Charlotte — the Hornets are reportedly open to trading LaMelo Ball, their franchise point guard. The former All-Star has dealt with injuries and team turmoil, and now, with the Hornets in full rebuild mode, the rumors are flying. Stephen A., Paul, Kendall — let’s talk about it.

Stephen A., should the Hornets move on from LaMelo?

🗣️STEPHEN A. SMITH:

Molly, let me tell you something right now — I do not like this move. I understand Charlotte’s in rebuild mode. I understand they’re stacking picks like pancakes at IHOP. But LaMelo Ball is a box office talent. A walking highlight. A guy who sells tickets, puts people in seats, and makes you relevant on national television. You don’t just give that up.

Now, if you tell me the Hornets can get a blockbuster — I’m talkin’ a top-five pick and a rising star — maybe we’re having a different conversation. But if you’re trading LaMelo just to “develop the young guys,” I got two words for you: Bad move.

🗣️PAUL PIERCE:

I gotta disagree, Stephen A. It’s time. The Hornets gave LaMelo the keys for four years. What do they have to show for it? One Play-In appearance and more injuries than wins. Look — I love his game. Flashy, creative, high IQ. But it’s hard to build around someone who hasn’t played 60 games in three years.

Charlotte’s got Brandon Miller. They just added Donovan Clingan. They got Scottie Pippen Jr., Bol Bol, a bunch of young wings… Look at OKC. They didn’t wait. They built a culture. Charlotte needs to rip the band-aid off and go all in on the future.

🗣️KENDALL GILL:

As a former Hornet — let me say this. I know what it’s like playing in Charlotte. The city wants hope. It wants a star. And LaMelo is that star. But Paul’s got a point.

This franchise has hit the reset button. They’ve traded Bridges, Mann, Nurkic, Sexton — they even brought back Nick Richards for the third time! If you’re going full rebuild, you can’t half-step. So yeah, if the offer is right, I think you consider moving LaMelo. But it better be the right deal.

Don’t trade him for draft picks that might not even pan out. You need a blue-chip player back. Something like:

• Jaden Ivey + picks from Detroit

• Jalen Suggs + Wendell Carter from Orlando

• Or if Brooklyn’s really calling… Cam Thomas and all those Phoenix picks? That gets interesting.

🗣️STEPHEN A. SMITH (interrupts):

Hold up! Cam Thomas?! For LaMelo Ball?!

Stop it. Stop it right now.

🎙️MOLLY QERIM:

Well clearly, there’s no shortage of opinions on this one. But the reality is, LaMelo’s future in Charlotte is uncertain. If he’s truly available, expect half the league to be on the phone by tomorrow.

Coming up next: Can the Knicks land Mikal Bridges and still keep Brunson and Randle? Stephen A. might explode.