The Minnesota Timberwolves shook up the NBA by acquiring LaMelo Ball in a trade with the Charlotte Hornets. However, it wasn't a trade that came together over night.
The Timberwolves have been attempting to acquire Ball for two years, via Jon Krawczynski of the Athletic. By including Naz Reid and a bevvy of picks, Minnesota was able to make their trade dreams come true.
“The Wolves have been trying to get LaMelo Ball for two years,” Krawczynski wrote. “They paid a price with Naz, but there is elation throughout the building about pairing Melo and Anthony Edwards.
Ball is now set to take over as point guard next to franchise star Anthony Edwards. Over his six years with the Hornets, Ball averaged 20.8 points, 7.3 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game while shooting 42 percent from the floor and 37 percent from behind the arc. He was named Rookie of the Year before earning his first All-Star nomination a year later.
Injuries, namely to the wrist and ankle, then took a bite out of Ball's career. He appeared in no more than 47 games a season from 2022-2024. Ball did play in 72 during the 2025-26 campaign, averaging 20.1 points, 7.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game.
The Timberwolves believe he'll now form a successful combo next to Edwards. Trading away Reid, Minnesota will need to figure out their situation at the four behind Jalen McDaniels. Still, with how much interest the franchise showed in Ball, it's clear how highly the Timberwolves view him.
It's now up to Ball to prove why they were so interested. Minnesota has taken a massive swing as they try to take home an NBA title.
