LaMelo Ball secures 5-year max extension with Hornets in NBA free agency

LaMelo Ball has agreed to a five-year max rookie extension with the Charlotte Hornets worth up to $260 million, making it the first of its kind for the franchise since Michael Jordan bought the team in 2010. Despite injuries, Ball has lived up to expectations and earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2021. The Hornets are committed to building around Ball and hope to end their seven-year playoff drought with him as their backcourt leader.