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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

An icon of Brooklyn, New York, Jay-Z is one of the most celebrated musicians of his generation. However, apart from his lyrical genius, the 24-time Grammy winner also had a basketball connection to his hometown. Notably, he was once the minority owner of the New Jersey Nets. Even after selling his stake, the American rapper remains close to the team. However, despite watching Kevin Durant ball out for the Brooklyn Nets in 2021, his attention went to Michael Jordan’s young prodigy, LaMelo Ball instead.

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The Charlotte Hornets and the Brooklyn Nets met back in October last year. It was only the beginning of the season and both sides were looking to make a mark. The spotlight was on one key matchup, Durant vs Ball. The present and the future were all set to battle it out. Moreover, Jay-Z was in the Barclays Center to watch the battle unfold. However, instead of showing support for the Slim Reaper, fans saw Shaun Carter go up to chat with the Hornets’ All-Star guard.

Notably, cameras caught a moment of the 53-year-old rapper catching up with LaMelo Ball despite Kevin Durant single-handedly fighting for the Nets, scoring a game-high 38 points in the loss.

Jay-Z went to LaMelo Ball instead of Kevin Durant

With the third quarter approaching, both teams were gearing up for an intense second half. The game was neck and neck with Brooklyn up by just 8 points, During this time, words of inspiration from a legend of the town might have been the fuel the Nets would have needed. However, Jay-Z was occupied having a chat with LaMelo Ball.

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The duo shared a good talk before the 21-year-old Charlotte Hornets star would jump back into the game once again. Their conversation sparked many rumors with many believing the rapper was trying to lure Ball to New York. However, the former Rookie of the Year opened up about their conversation in a later interview.

USA Today via Reuters

Notably, Ball said all they spoke about was his next game. The Brooklyn icon was inquiring about the whereabouts of the Hornets’ next fixture which would be held back home for Ball. That was apparently the end of the conversation, but it seems the rapper and Ball have developed a close relationship from that point on. On the Charlotte All-Star’s 21st birthday, he received a Roc-A-Fella chain from Jay-Z.

While Ball is still far away from free agency, it seems Jay-Z might really want to see the young prodigy in Brooklyn colors one day.

What is the relationship between KD and Jay-Z?

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Durant and Jay-Z have forged quite a bond over the years as well. Notably, the 12-time All-Star was the first client under the rapper’s Roc Nation Sports when he signed back in 2013. The 24-time Grammy award winner was the one who reportedly gave Durant “practical” advice which led to him later joining the Golden State Warriors.

USA Today via Reuters

While the former MVP has gravitated away from Jay-Z’s company, there might be a chance they become partners once more. This comes from the four-time scoring champion’s desire to buy an NFL team, the Washington Commanders. The $7 billion race includes the likes of Jay-Z, Jeff Bezos, and Durant all making a run for the NFL franchise.

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While no deal has become final just yet, do you think the Slim Reaper and Jay-Z could join hands once again? Let us know your views in the comments below.