In what’s being called the biggest player move in Major League Pickleball history, Ben Johns was traded Saturday from the Carolina Hogs to the LA Mad Drops.

This one deal, following the recent league ban of former LA Mad Drop player Quang Duong, upends the entire MLP season and paints the playoff picture in a whole new light.

It’s also got some questioning whether it should have been allowed at all.

🚨 TRADE ALERT 🚨

• LA Mad Drops acquire Ben Johns and Etta Tuionetoa from the Carolina Hogs

• Carolina Hogs acquire Brandon French (Claimed by LA) and Danna Funaro + Cash from LA

😳😳😳 pic.twitter.com/u9CdwCtiwB

— Major League Pickleball (@MajorLeaguePB) July 19, 2025

How this went down Without notice, MLP announced Wednesday that the trade deadline would be pushed from 10pm that night to Monday, “to allow teams to strategize around recently shared league operations updates.”

On Saturday, The Hogs took full advantage, ultimately sending Etta Tuionetoa, recently acquired by the Carolina Hogs, over to the Utah Black Diamonds, and dealing Ben over to the LA Mad Drops.

This now pairs Ben trade with Hunter Johnson in doubles and either Catherine Parenteau or Jade Kawamoto in mixed.

The LA Mad Drops now skyrocket in the playoff race, with one of the best top-to-bottom starting rosters in the league.

The full trade Move #1

LA adds Brandon French to fill open roster spot Trade #1

LA acquires Ben Johns and Etta Tuionetoa from CAR CAR acquires French, Danna Funaro and cash con... FULL ARTICLE FOUND ON: https://www.thedinkpickleball.com/historic-mlp-trade-sends-ben-johns-to-la/