After recently losing key big man Julius Randle in a deal with the Brooklyn Nets, the Minnesota Timberwolves quickly found another star to replicate the lost offensive production with the acquisition of Charlotte Hornets franchise guard LaMelo Ball in another blockbuster trade.
Along with Ball, Minnesota also received key role player Josh Green in exchange for fan-favorite big man Naz Reid, a first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps, and three second-round picks.
With the entire league still processing the historic trade that sent Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat, the Timberwolves were quick to enrich their potentially championship-contending lineup, securing the 24-year-old bucket-getter.
LaMelo Ball Lands in Potential Title Contender
After six years with Buzz City, LaMelo Ball never got a sniff of the NBA playoffs, as Charlotte continued on a 10-year playoff drought, only reaching the Play-In three times in the last six seasons.
With the move, the No. 1 and No. 3 picks of the 2020 NBA Draft—Ball and Anthony Edwards—now will team up to headline the backcourt of a Wolves squad set to mesh with next season’s title contenders.
In his final season with the Hornets, the 6-foot-7 guard averaged 20.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists to lead the Hornets to the Play-In, where they eventually fell to the Orlando Magic in the battle for the eighth seed.
With Ayo Dosunmu recently inking a long-term extension, the Minnesota offense will have no worries in the future, as the three scoring machines are all still under the age of 27.
Hornets Enter New Era
With LaMelo Ball’s tenure with the Hornets officially closed, Charlotte now shifts its focus to the young core of Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel to lead the team’s future as they continue their rebuild.
The sharp-shooting Reid, who averaged 13.6 points and 6.2 rebounds this season on a 45.6% clip, provides the Hornets with instant offense, floor spacing, and immense ball-handling for a player his size.
With the continued emergence of Miller and Knueppel, along with the veteran leadership of Reid and Miles Bridges, the Hornets are set to have a major jump in their 2027 campaign, with a playoff hunt looking more imminent.
