LaMelo Ball is officially a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves. The point guard, selected third overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, was acquired by the Wolves in a complex four-team trade involving the Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, and Chicago Bulls.
The deal, finalized and announced with an introductory press conference at the Target Center in Minneapolis on July 14, saw Minnesota send fan favorite Naz Reid and a substantial package of future draft picks — including an unprotected 2033 first-rounder, first-round swaps in 2028, 2029, and 2030, and second-rounders in 2029, 2032, and 2033 — to the Hornets. Second-leading scorer Julius Randle went to the Nets, a move that also created the salary cap space necessary for the Wolves to re-sign guard Ayo Dosunmu. Alongside Ball, Minnesota also acquired guard Josh Green.
"I think he'll elevate us," said Tim Connelly, Timberwolves president of basketball operations. "And our environment will be conducive to his continued growth as well."
The move is designed to ease the ballhandling and playmaking burden on franchise cornerstone Anthony Edwards. "I've known Ant for a minute, so we've been talking," Ball said at the press conference. "Everybody's excited, and we're ready to get to work."
Ball, 24, stands 6-foot-7 and arrives after a promising 2025-26 season that helped propel the Hornets into the play-in tournament. Over the previous three seasons he had missed 57% of games due to injuries, but in Minnesota he will find a stronger, more competitive supporting cast featuring Edwards and a revamped backcourt.
"You've got to have a big backcourt," Wolves coach Chris Finch said. "We learned that through the playoffs this year."
The trade represents a significant gamble for the Timberwolves, who surrendered meaningful assets to pair a pure point guard with Edwards in their push toward an NBA championship. The Ball-Edwards duo, complemented by Green and Dosunmu, reshapes the franchise's outlook as it looks to take the final step toward title contention.
Sources
- Dave Campbell, "Wolves believe LaMelo Ball's pure point guard play and joyful style will 'elevate' their entire team", AP News, July 14, 2026. https://apnews.com/article/timberwolves-lamelo-ball-f35d71e34a2d93fe990c77b7607db325
