What’s the Score?
The Major League Pickleball (MLP) trade market has officially opened for the 2026 season, and the Chicago Slice has wasted no time in making a splash. In the first confirmed deal of the year, Chicago has acquired top-ranked men’s singles player Hunter Johnson from the Los Angeles Mad Drops. In return, Los Angeles receives lefty specialist Max Freeman, along with cash considerations. The trade reshapes the identity of both franchises ahead of the season opener in May.
Hit it deeper!
This trade is a direct response to glaring roster deficiencies on both sides. The Chicago Slice entered the offseason in crisis mode after terminating the contracts of star players Vivian Glozman and James Ignatowich. Their 2025 season was marred by a dismal 3-9 record in “DreamBreakers” (the singles tie-breaker format), a weakness that directly caused them to miss the playoffs. By acquiring Hunter Johnson—the PPA Tour’s number one men’s singles player—Chicago has instantly turned their biggest weakness into a potential strength. The cash received in the deal also replenishes their war chest for the upcoming Free Agency Draft on February 27.
For the Los Angeles Mad Drops, the logic is tactical. They have paired Max Freeman with franchise cornerstone Ben Johns. Ben Johns has historically thrived alongside left-handed partners, winning a title in 2023 with lefty Tyler Loong. Freeman’s southpaw geometry opens up the court for Johns, potentially creating a formidable men’s doubles unit. However, the trade comes with collateral damage: it dissolves the Johnson-Kawamoto mixed doubles partnership, which had been a reliable asset for the Mad Drops over the last two seasons.
The World Pickleball Verdict
This trade represents a fascinating clash of philosophies: individual brilliance versus tactical synergy. Chicago is betting that raw star power in singles (Hunter Johnson) can solve their tie-breaker woes and carry the team. Los Angeles is betting on the specific tactical advantage of a lefty-righty pairing (Freeman-Johns) to dominate in doubles. While Chicago wins the headline with the “bigger name,” Los Angeles might have improved their overall court geometry. The true winner will be decided in the first DreamBreaker of the season.
Chris Beaumont
Founder and Editor-in-ChiefChris Beaumont is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of World Pickleball Magazine. Chris follows the global game closely, reporting on the latest news, developments, stories and tournaments from all five continents. He also hosts the World Pickleball Podcast, interviewing people at…
View All Articles →
