The Minnesota Timberwolves have pulled off a shocking blockbuster trade right after the 2026 NBA Draft by acquiring star point guard LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The Timberwolves are sending Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, first-round pick swaps in 2028, 2029 and 2030, and second-round picks in 2029, 2032 and 2033. Josh Green is going to Minnesota along with Ball.
Shams broke the news right after the draft on Wednesday night that the Hornets were fielding trade offers for their franchise point guard, and The Stein Line quickly reported that the Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors were the two top suitors. The Stein Line referred to Minnesota’s interest as “undeniably serious,” and now the trade is done.
Marc Stein reports this trade is expected to be folded into the Timberwolves’ three-team Julius Randle deal with the Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls.
Why Timberwolves, Hornets made this trade
The Timberwolves have been big-game hunting for a while, making big pushes for stars as much as Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo in recent years. Minnesota fell out of the running for Antetokounmpo this offseason before he was ultimately dealt to the Miami Heat, with the focus turning to lead guards. Kyrie Irving was rumored to be a target, but with the Dallas Mavericks not looking to trade him, Ball became a tantalizing target.
There have been rumblings of Anthony Edwards’ frustrations with the roster since the Karl-Anthony Towns trade, so Tim Connelly was feeling some pressure to make a big splash. This Ball trade certainly counts as that, and now the No. 1 and No. 3 picks from the 2020 NBA Draft are on the same roster.
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