Charlotte Hornets trading LaMelo Ball to Minnesota Timberwolves
LaMelo Ball is officially on the move.
The Charlotte Hornets agreed to a trade Thursday morning that sends Ball and guard Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves for forward Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps and three second-round picks, league sources confirmed to The Charlotte Observer.
The news was first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Sources told The Observer earlier Thursday morning that multiple teams — including the Timberwolves and the Toronto Raptors — were in the mix to acquire Ball, the Hornets’ polarizing but undeniably popular star point guard.
The Observer also previously reported that Ball had the desire to stay in Charlotte for the long-term, as he’s said publicly for years.
Since entering the league in 2020, it’s been a struggle for Ball to stay healthy as he’s dealt with ankle issues. But that wasn’t the case this past season, when he logged action in 72 games, and helped spur the Hornets to a berth in the NBA’s play-in tournament.
That’s the most he’s played following his All-Star year in 2021-22.
Ball, 24, finished second in the NBA this past season in made 3-pointers with 272, trailing only teammate Kon Knueppel. He also ranked ninth in the league in assists per game at 7.1.
The trade paves the way for Coby White, a North Carolina native and former UNC star, to step into the starting point guard role next year. White is an unrestricted free agent and Jeff Peterson, the Hornets’ president of basketball operations, has mentioned he’s “a priority” re-signing candidate.
Sending Ball to Minnesota also creates a massive $40.7 million trade exception, reportedly the largest in league history. That slot could be used to bring in someone like Jaylen Brown, who was dangled in trade talks with Milwaukee before the Bucks sent Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat. Brown knows Hornets coach Charles Lee from their championship season together in 2023-24.
Ball’s departure is likely only the first domino of the Hornets’ restructuring their roster this offseason.
This story was originally published June 25, 2026 at 8:32 AM.
