There’s no questioning the passion and dedication that Charlotte sports fans have for their teams. Unfortunately, they may be feeling like their commitment has not been reciprocated.
On Thursday morning, the Charlotte Hornets pulled off an absolute stunner—trading star LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The all-star guard had become the face of the franchise and a fixture within the community over his six years in “Buzz City,” but was sent packing even as the team appeared to finally turn a corner in 2026.
Ball’s shocking move reminded the Charlotte faithful of a few deflating deals their football team has made. The Carolina Panthers, at least behind their previous regime, traded away a number of favorites—including running back Christian McCaffrey in 2022, wide receiver DJ Moore in 2023 and outside linebacker Brian Burns in 2024. Heck, some Panthers fans were also brought back to when the organization unceremoniously released quarterback Cam Newton in 2020.
Sadly, there’s plenty of despair to spare. So, here are some reactions to yet another high-profile departure in Charlotte . . .
I’m just blown away at today…
Why is Carolina cursed? pic.twitter.com/D488jros4S
— 🧙♂️ (@RollCoveragePod) June 25, 2026
idek where to begin. First cam was cut, we fumbled a brian bruns trade, cmc got traded, dj moore got packed up. Now lamelo… smh
— BY9 REAPER (@itxpeyton_) June 25, 2026
CMC now LaMelo…. when does it stop
— Carolina Sports (@CHAHooops) June 25, 2026
No words. pic.twitter.com/LIz1RLSz7J
— CLTCLAWS (@POUNDYOHO) June 25, 2026
LaMelo leaving charlotte feels like Cam leaving the panthers. All NC aura gone just like that.
— ej (@elijahswrld) June 25, 2026
Charlotte professional sports it’s just ughhhh. Now why would you trade Lamelo when you guys were building something.. just like the Carolina Panthers the front office is in the way!
— SheLovesThee 🔔 (@SheLoves_Thee) June 25, 2026
I can’t believe as a Charlotte fan and North Carolina Native . We finally get a superstar in Lamelo Ball and spark the fan base and we trade him away for Nothing 🤦 … being a @Panthers and @hornets fan is nerve wrecking. https://t.co/NTfCocZf7t
— Rio Lombardi™ 5/29 ♊️🥳🚀 (@LiveRealDieReal) June 25, 2026
IT WAS STUPID, they think it’s easy to replace a Cam Newton or LaMelo Ball….look at Carolina Panthers football, 8yr losing streak https://t.co/2oRvg4I2i6
— the rippadonn report (@rippadonn) June 25, 2026
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Hornets’ stunning trade of LaMelo Ball triggers Panthers fans
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