LaMelo Ball joins Timberwolves in blockbuster trade

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The LaMelo Ball era in Charlotte has officially ended.

In a shocking turn of events on June 25, 2026, the Charlotte Hornets agreed to trade their star point guard to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps, and three second-round picks.

Earlier that day, Charlotte reportedly engaged in trade discussions with the Timberwolves and the Toronto Raptors regarding Ball’s availability.

What was once deemed a rumor and a move that seemed impossible for the Hornets to pull off became reality when they let Ball roll free.

Also included in Charlotte’s trade package was Josh Green, the Hornets’ former athletic two-way guard.

With the offseason move, Ball will have a big-name running mate for the first time in his career, forming a deadly backcourt one-two punch with Anthony Edwards.

Although Ball remains under contract through the 2028-29 NBA season after signing a five-year, USD 203,852,600, or PHP 12,504,624,262, deal, Minnesota was able to pursue him because his contract does not include a no-trade clause.

The trade means the Timberwolves will take on Ball’s remaining salary unless the two franchises agree to additional financial terms.

Some NBA analysts were puzzled by the deal, criticizing the Timberwolves’ decision to move Reid shortly after they traded Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets.

With Randle and Reid out of Minnesota’s rotation, the Timberwolves are left with a smaller lineup anchored by Rudy Gobert, the only legitimate big man remaining in the pool.

For Charlotte, the trade creates more cap flexibility and signals a clear move away from Ball as its primary star.

The focal point of the offense will now shift to Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller, two promising young players drafted by the Hornets.

Knueppel, a front-runner for last season’s Rookie of the Year award, quickly turned heads in his first season with the Hornets, averaging 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists.

Miller, who showed promising stretches when healthy, averaged 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists.

Editor’s notes

The trade package was clarified to specify the 2033 unprotected first-round pick, first-round pick swaps in 2028, 2029, and 2030, and second-round picks in 2029, 2032, and 2033, based on current reports.

Ball’s five-year, USD 203,852,600 contract figure is consistent with Spotrac data, and his deal runs through the 2028-29 season.