The LaMelo Ball trade between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Charlotte Hornets is in the books, confirmed by SportsNet. The move sent shockwaves through the NBA as the biggest move of the offseason so far. One team is looking to go on a playoff run, while the other starts a rebuild around younger pieces.
After a series win against the Denver Nuggets and a competitive six-game series loss to the Western Conference Champion San Antonio Spurs, the Timberwolves are in “win now” mode. Ball takes the pressure of a leading role off of Anthony Edwards, whose production dipped in the playoffs.
While he didn’t make the postseason, Ball averaged over 20 points and seven assists per game, over 72 games with a terrible Hornets team last year. He’s currently heading into year three of a five-year, $203.9 million max-rookie extension. The Timberwolves made room for him by shipping forward Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets the day before this deal on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
After being eliminated from the play-in round last season, the Hornets decided to head in a new direction, including shedding this heavy contract. The asset, center Naz Reid, is also an understated part of this deal. Reid averaged more than 26 minutes over 77 games played last year for the Timberwolves. He was also an integral part of their playoff run.
The Hornets now have an abundance of draft picks, including six first-rounders over the next three years. This gives the team time and flexibility to build around young stars like guard Kon Knueppel.
As much as fans like to crown winners and losers, the LaMelo Ball trade will truly need a few years to see how both teams turn out. Perhaps the Timberwolves go on a deep run this season, while the Hornets become a dominant force in the next three to five seasons.
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