- LaMelo Ball, the dynamic point guard, is set to join the Minnesota Timberwolves from the Charlotte Hornets in a significant trade, pending official league approval on July 6.
- The Charlotte Hornets will also send Josh Green to Minnesota, while they will receive power forward Naz Reid, an unprotected first-round draft pick in 2033, three first-round pick swaps (2028, 2029, 2030), and three future second-round picks (2029, 2032, 2033), along with Josh Green.
- This move aims to bolster the Timberwolves' championship aspirations by adding Ball's exceptional offensive talent and ball-handling skills, particularly to complement Anthony Edwards, following their recent playoff exits.
- Ball, an All-Star in 2022, played 72 games last season averaging 20.1 points and 7.1 assists, but his six seasons with the Hornets were marked by injuries and no playoff appearances.
- The Hornets are expected to re-sign Coby White as their starting point guard and will generate an NBA-record trade exception of nearly $41 million as part of this complex transaction, which also involves Julius Randle moving from Minnesota to Brooklyn.
IN FULL
