CHARLOTTE (AP) – LaMelo Ball could’ve tried to force his way out of Charlotte in hopes of landing with an established NBA playoff contender in the next few years.
Instead, the 2022 All-Star point guard decided to embrace his current situation with the struggling Hornets by signing a five-year deal earlier this month that will pay him up to USD260 million. In so doing, he became first Hornets player to sign a rookie max contract extension, giving Charlotte a cornerstone piece to build around.
Ball said he chose to remain in Charlotte because he’s comfortable living there and believes in what the Hornets are trying to create. Ball said the decision to stay wasn’t tough.
General manager Mitch Kupchak said keeping a player like Ball is a big step for the Hornets.
