Triple Threat Trades

ESPN.com – NBA Trade Frenzy Recap

By Almondoh Joi | Senior Insider Analyst

Published: July 30, 2025

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Hornets Trade LaMelo Ball, Nick Smith Jr., Liam McNeely, and Kalkbrenner in Stunning Asset Play

CHARLOTTE, NC — The purge is complete.

On July 30th, 2025, the Charlotte Hornets executed a series of shocking moves that cement their status as the NBA’s most aggressive rebuilding team. Headlining the flurry: LaMelo Ball — once considered the face of the franchise — is gone.

In three separate trades, Charlotte flipped four players, including three former lottery picks, and came away with a haul of future picks as GM Jeff Peterson continues to bet the house on long-term upside.

Let’s break it down.

🚨 TRADE 1:

LaMelo Ball to Golden State Warriors

📦 Hornets receive:

• 2027 First-Round Pick (Top-5 protected)

• 2029 First-Round Pick (Unprotected)

📦 Warriors receive:

• LaMelo Ball

Analysis:

LaMelo reunites with Steph Curry in what will be must-see TV for years to come. While injury concerns remain, the Warriors are gambling on LaMelo’s shot creation and playmaking to extend their championship window beyond Curry’s twilight.

Charlotte, meanwhile, gets off LaMelo’s long-term deal and adds two premium picks from a Warriors team that may not stay competitive post-2026.

🚨 TRADE 2:

Nick Smith Jr. & Liam McNeely to Brooklyn Nets

📦 Hornets receive:

• 2027 First-Round Pick (via PHX)

• 2029 First-Round Pick (via DAL)

• 2028 Second-Round Pick (via BKN)

📦 Nets receive:

• Nick Smith Jr.

• Liam McNeely

Analysis:

Smith Jr., the former top-10 pick, and McNeely, the athletic rookie wing out of Indiana, go to a Nets team still trying to define its identity. Both offer potential upside, but Charlotte chose future flexibility over long-term investment.

The Hornets now hold 9 first-round picks over the next 5 drafts, one of the largest stockpiles in the league.

🚨 TRADE 3:

Kalkbrenner to Pelicans for 2028 First

📦 Hornets receive:

• 2028 First-Round Pick (Top-12 protected)

📦 Pelicans receive:

• Ryan Kalkbrenner

• 2029 First-Round Pick (via OKC)

Analysis:

In a somewhat surprising move, Charlotte parts ways with their defensive-minded rookie center just weeks after drafting him, shipping him to New Orleans in a pick-swap arrangement. Kalkbrenner fits the Pels’ need for rim protection behind Zion Williamson.

Charlotte essentially trades now for later, flipping a center prospect for yet another first-round pick.

📊 Current Pick Inventory (Post-July 27)

• 2026: Own 1st, plus protected from ORL

• 2027: 3 First-Round Picks (GSW, BKN/PHX, own)

• 2028: 2 First-Round Picks (NOP, own)

• 2029: 3 First-Round Picks (GSW, DAL, own)

Jeff Peterson is clearly building toward a major draft-centric retool — potentially even eyeing a 2026 or 2027 Draft Night consolidation move.

🎙️ Almondoh’s Final Word:

“LaMelo is gone. Smith Jr. is gone. Kalkbrenner never unpacked.

And somehow… the Hornets got stronger — long-term.

This rebuild is ruthless, patient, and unapologetically modern.”

Almondoh Joi covers trades, team-building, and long-term NBA roster strategy for ESPN. Follow him on X @AlmondohKnows.