Reported LaMelo Ball trade would reshape Timberwolves and Hornets

LaMelo Ball is reportedly headed from the Charlotte Hornets to the Minnesota Timberwolves, with Josh Green also going to Minnesota and Naz Reid plus multiple draft assets moving to Charlotte. The report is attributed to ESPN’s Shams Charania and still requires official confirmation from the teams or league.

For Minnesota, the move would place Ball alongside Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels as a young core under contract through 2028-29. Ball played 72 regular-season games last season, averaging 20.1 points, 7.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 36.8% from three.

Charlotte’s return is reported to include Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, second-rounders in 2029, 2032 and 2033, plus first-round pick swaps in 2028, 2029 and 2030. Reid brings frontcourt scoring and spacing after averaging 13.6 points and 6.2 rebounds last season, with a career 37.1% mark from beyond the arc.

The Hornets’ next phase would likely put more responsibility on Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel, with Coby White also reported as a possible re-signing target. Given Ball’s role in Charlotte’s turnaround and the size of the draft package, editors should frame this as a major roster pivot while noting that the reporting is source-based until the transaction is formally confirmed.