The Charlotte Hornets are reportedly trading star guard LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a blockbuster deal.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Hornets are sending Ball and Josh Green to Minnesota in exchange for Naz Reid, an unprotected 2033 first-round pick, first-round pick swaps in 2028, 2029, and 2030, and second-round picks in 2029, 2032, and 2033.
The move pairs Ball with Anthony Edwards, giving Minnesota one of the most explosive young backcourts in the NBA.
Ball, 24, spent the first six seasons of his career in Charlotte after the Hornets selected him with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Edwards went No. 1 overall in that same draft.
Ball averaged 20.1 points and 7.1 assists last season. He was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 2020-21 and later earned an All-Star selection.
Why Minnesota Made the Move
For the Timberwolves, the trade is a clear push toward contention.
Minnesota has been close in recent years, reaching the Western Conference Finals in back-to-back seasons before falling in the Western Conference semifinals last year.
Adding Ball gives the Wolves another high-level creator next to Edwards. His passing, pace, and shot-making should help a team that has relied heavily on Edwards to generate offense in late-game situations.
The move also comes with financial consequences.
According to Spotrac’s Keith Smith, Minnesota projects to be about $4.7 million over the luxury tax after adding Ball and Green.
What Charlotte Gets Back
The Hornets receive Naz Reid, a proven frontcourt piece who should give Charlotte more stability around Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel.
Reid averaged 13.6 points and 6.2 rebounds last season. He also won Sixth Man of the Year in 2023-24.
Charlotte also adds significant draft capital, including the unprotected 2033 first-round pick, three first-round swaps, and three second-round selections.
According to Charania, the Hornets were not actively shopping Ball but became open to offers after receiving multiple strong bids.
The Toronto Raptors were also reportedly interested in trading for Ball.
Josh Green Also Heads to Minnesota
Josh Green, 25, also joins the Timberwolves as part of the deal.
Green averaged 4.3 points in 15.7 minutes per game last season, his lowest scoring average since his rookie campaign.
While Ball is the headline addition, Green gives Minnesota another wing option as the team reshapes its rotation.
A Franchise-Changing Deal
This is a major reset for Charlotte and a major swing for Minnesota.
The Hornets are moving on from their franchise guard while stockpiling draft assets and adding a frontcourt piece.
The Timberwolves are betting that Ball and Edwards can become one of the league’s most dangerous guard duos.
For Minnesota, the message is clear.
The Wolves are done waiting.