The Charlotte Hornets have agreed a major trade that will send All-Star guard LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
According to reports, Ball and Josh Green are heading to Minnesota, while Charlotte will receive Naz Reid, an unprotected first-round draft pick in 2033, three second-round selections and a series of future pick swaps.
The deal also includes first-round pick swaps in 2028, 2029 and 2030, giving the Hornets significant draft flexibility as they reshape their roster.
Minnesota land long-term partner for Edwards
The Timberwolves had been searching for another elite guard to pair with Anthony Edwards and have now secured one of the league’s most talented playmakers.
Ball, who has three years remaining on his current contract, enjoyed one of the most productive seasons of his career in 2025-26, averaging 20.1 points, 7.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds while appearing in 72 regular-season games.
His availability was a major boost for Charlotte after injuries had limited him to just 105 games across the previous three campaigns.
Minnesota had faced growing concerns at point guard, particularly after Donte DiVincenzo suffered an Achilles injury during last season’s playoffs. The arrival of Ball gives the franchise a dynamic young core alongside Edwards and Jaden McDaniels, with all three players under contract through the 2028-29 season.
Hornets turn to youth movement
Charlotte’s decision comes despite a dramatic improvement last season.
After winning just 19 games the year before, the Hornets finished with a 44-win campaign and narrowly missed the playoffs after falling in the play-in tournament.
Ball played a central role in that turnaround, helping Charlotte become one of the NBA’s most improved teams.
However, the trade signals a shift towards a younger core led by Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel.
Miller averaged a team-high 20.2 points last season, while Knueppel enjoyed a standout rookie campaign and finished second in Rookie of the Year voting after leading the league in three-pointers made.
The Hornets are also hoping to retain Coby White after his impressive performances following a mid-season arrival.
Reid heads to Charlotte
A key part of the return package is Reid, who has become one of the NBA’s most effective frontcourt players.
The 26-year-old averaged 13.6 points and 6.2 rebounds per game last season and won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2024.
His versatility and perimeter shooting should provide Charlotte with an experienced presence as the team continues its rebuild.
End of Ball’s Charlotte chapter
Ball leaves Charlotte after six seasons with the franchise that selected him with the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
He won Rookie of the Year honours in his debut campaign before becoming an All-Star in his second season.
Despite injury setbacks, Ball established himself as the face of the franchise and was instrumental in ending several years of struggles on the court.
His final season in Charlotte featured career-best signs of maturity, including reduced turnovers, fewer shots per game and a greater willingness to adapt his role for the benefit of the team.
Now, the 24-year-old begins a new chapter in Minnesota, where expectations will be considerably higher as the Timberwolves attempt to build a championship contender around Ball and Edwards.
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