LaMelo Ball was officially introduced as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves on July 14, declaring his belief that "it's God's plan" as he embarks on a new chapter with one of the Western Conference's most ambitious teams.
The 24-year-old two-time All-Star was acquired from the Charlotte Hornets in a blockbuster late-June trade that sent Naz Reid, an unprotected 2033 first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps (2028, 2029, 2030), and three second-round selections to Charlotte. Josh Green also arrived in Minnesota as part of the deal.
Standing at the podium in Minneapolis, Ball spoke about joining forces with Anthony Edwards in what projects to be one of the league's most electrifying backcourts. The pairing combines Ball's elite court vision and playmaking with Edwards' explosive scoring — Edwards set a career-high 28.8 points per game last season.
"I feel like it's God's plan, honestly," Ball said at his introductory press conference. "I'm ready to elevate. I'm ready to show what I can do with this team."
The Timberwolves front office views Ball as the pure point guard the roster has lacked. Ball averaged 20.8 points, 7.3 assists, and 5.7 rebounds across 303 career games with Charlotte, where he was drafted third overall in 2020 and named Rookie of the Year in 2021.
Edwards recently acknowledged that the partnership will take time to gel. "It's definitely going to be ups and downs. First year together, maybe a lot of downs," he said at Fanatics Fest NYC. "We'll celebrate both of them."
Head coach Chris Finch has expressed confidence that Ball's unselfish style will mesh well with the roster. With the Timberwolves also pursuing LeBron James in free agency, the franchise is signaling an all-in approach for the 2026-27 season.
Ball brings not only his highlights-reel passing but also a joyful, expressive approach to the game that Minnesota hopes will energize the Target Center and transform the team's offensive identity.
Sources
- https://apnews.com/article/hornets-timberwolves-trade-lamelo-ball-reid-green-2418e7e9c9e10abff00361da67322bea
- https://apnews.com/article/timberwolves-lamelo-ball-f35d71e34a2d93fe990c77b7607db325
- https://www.eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/1984626/lamelo-ball-traded-to-minnesota-timberwolves-nba/
