LaMelo Ball dealt to Minnesota Timberwolves in surprise trade with Charlotte Hornets.
LaMelo Ball dealt to Minnesota Timberwolves in surprise trade with Charlotte Hornets.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have reportedly acquired LaMelo Ball, their new starting point guard, and guard Josh Green in a blockbuster trade with the Charlotte Hornets. The deal, first reported by ESPN, saw the Hornets receive power forward Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round draft pick, three first-round pick swaps, and three future second-round picks. The 21-year-old Ball, the third overall pick in the 2021 draft, will pair with fellow 2020 draftee Anthony Edwards to form a formidable backcourt.
The trade is a significant shake-up in the Western Conference, where the Timberwolves are title-hunters after a strong 2025-26 season. With Ball on board, they’ll look to challenge the likes of the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets. Ball’s arrival marks a new era in Minnesota, and his partnership with Edwards is expected to be one of the most dominant in the league.
Ball’s trade comes as a shock to fans and pundits alike, who had expected the Hornets to build around their young star. Instead, they’re parting ways with a key player just two years after the 20-year NBA veteran traded for him. The Timberwolves are expected to unveil Ball at a press conference in the coming days.
The deal is still pending league approval, but the Timberwolves are expected to activate Ball for their next game, a matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers on June 29. With Ball on board, Minnesota will look to build momentum in the playoffs, where they’ll face off against the Dallas Mavericks in the first round.
The trade also brings guard Josh Green to the Timberwolves in a three-team swap. Green, a 25-year-old Australian guard, will provide depth to the Timberwolves’ backcourt.
The deal sends a powerful message that the Timberwolves are committed to winning now. With Ball leading the charge, they’re poised to make a deep run in the playoffs.
The stakes are high for the Timberwolves, who are looking to prove themselves as title contenders.
The Hornets get Naz Reid, a strong rebounder and defender, in the deal. Reid averaged 10.5 points and 6.1 rebounds per game in the 2025-26 season.
The trade is still pending league approval, but the Timberwolves are expected to unveil Ball at a press conference in the coming days.
The deal is a significant shake-up in the Western Conference, where the Timberwolves are title-hunters after a strong 2025-26 season.
With Ball on board, Minnesota will look to build momentum in the playoffs, where they’ll face off against the Dallas Mavericks in the first round.
The trade also brings guard Josh Green to the Timberwolves in a three-team swap.
The deal sends a powerful message that the Timberwolves are committed to winning now.
With Ball leading the charge, they’re poised to make a deep run in the playoffs.
Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
What teams are involved in the LaMelo Ball trade?
The Minnesota Timberwolves, Charlotte Hornets, and Dallas Mavericks are involved in the deal.
Who did the Hornets receive in the trade for LaMelo Ball?
The Hornets received Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round draft pick, three first-round pick swaps, and three future second-round picks in the trade for LaMelo Ball.
📌 Related Coverage
LaMelo BallMinnesota TimberwolvesCharlotte HornetsAnthony EdwardsNaz ReidJosh GreenNBA trade
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