Charlotte Hornets trade LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to Minnesota Timberwolves for Naz Reid and draft picks

The Charlotte Hornets have traded LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Naz Reid and a package of future draft picks. The transaction, comes after the Hornets enjoyed a strong turnaround last season and several teams showed interest in Ball.

Trade details

Minnesota Timberwolves are sending Naz Reid, an unprotected first-round pick in 2033, and second-round picks in 2029, 2032, and 2033 to Charlotte Hornets. The teams will swap first-round picks in 2028, 2029, and 2030.

Notably, Ball has three years remaining on his current contract and is eligible to sign a two-year extension worth $119.2 million starting July 6. The Hornets had fielded aggressive offers from teams including the Toronto Raptors and Portland Trail Blazers.

Minnesota Timberwolves add playmaking to pair with Anthony Edwards

The Minnesota Timberwolves have long sought a co-star for Anthony Edwards. The position became even more important after Donte DiVincenzo ruptured his Achilles during the playoffs.

By acquiring LaMelo Ball, Minnesota now have a young backcourt featuring Edwards and Ball, alongside wing Jaden McDaniels. All three are under contract through the 2028-29 season. Team president Tim Connelly had previously pursued big names like Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Naz Reid, 26, averaged 13.6 points and 6.2 rebounds last season and shot 37 percent from three-point range.

Charlotte Hornets bet on youth after breakout season

Charlotte Hornets are shifting toward their young players following a 44-win season that saw the team rally from an 11-23 record on January 2 to win 32 of the next 45 games. In that span, the Hornets had the top-ranked offense and fifth-ranked defense.

Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel are expected to take on larger responsibilities. Miller averaged a team-high 20.2 points per game. Knueppel finished second in Rookie of the Year voting after leading all rookies in three-pointers made.

The Hornets also aim to re-sign Coby White, who averaged 15.6 points in 21 games after joining at the trade deadline. In the recent draft, Charlotte selected Hannes Steinbach with the 14th pick and Christian Anderson Jr. with the 16th pick.

LaMelo Ball's impact and exit from Charlotte Hornets

LaMelo Ball spent six seasons with the Hornets, winning Rookie of the Year and earning All-Star status in his second season. Last season, he averaged 20.1 points, 7.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 36.8% from three in 72 games. Injuries limited him to 105 games in the prior three seasons. He helped the late surge and came off the bench three times to manage his health.

In the play-in win over Miami, Ball scored 30 points and delivered the game-winning layup in overtime. He was fined $35,000 for making unnecessary and reckless contact with Bam Adebayo and $25,000 for profane language in a TV interview, later apologizing to Adebayo. In the loss to Orlando, Ball scored 21 of his 23 points in the third quarter and said he should have been more aggressive from the start instead of the Hornets running through their plays. Ball had been happy in Charlotte and focused on winning.

Looking ahead

The deal gives the Timberwolves a new look at point guard to support their push for deeper playoff success. For the Hornets, it provides future assets and allows their young core more opportunities to grow. Both teams move forward with updated rosters and clear next steps.