The Minnesota Timberwolves were in need of a second option alongside Anthony Edwards after a second-round playoff exit, and they acquired LaMelo Ball via trade to fix that issue. Minnesota gave up Naz Reid and draft compensation, and the move has sparked many conversations in the NBA community. 

Lonzo and LiAngelo Ball recently shared their thoughts on the Ball In The Family Podcast, and they set their expectations high for the Timberwolves ahead of next season. 

Lonzo Ball was excited for his little brother LaMelo, saying he's a great fit for the team. He also praised the duo of Ball and Edwards as he believes they are two of the best players under 25 years old in the NBA. 

Ball shared his thoughts on who the best teams in the Western Conference are now after this trade. "I got OKC 1, I got Spurs 2, Timberwolves 3," Ball said. 

LiAngelo Ball made a bold claim, saying that he doesn't believe the Spurs are better than the Timberwolves after this trade and has the Thunder and Timberwolves above them in the West. 

Adding LaMelo Ball changes a lot of things for the Timberwolves. Anthony Edwards has yet to play with a guard who is as dynamic as Ball in his career. Not only is Ball a scoring threat on his own, he's also one of the league's best playmakers. 

Ball averages 7.3 assists per game in his career, and in 2025-2026, he averaged 7.1. Ball had a great connection with forward Miles Bridges throughout their time in Charlotte. Bridges is a high-flying wing, and Anthony Edwards shares similar characteristics in his play style. 

Another big factor that will make this trade work out is LaMelo's durability. Ball played the most games of any season in his career this past season, playing 72 games. Because he was so durable, he led the Hornets to their best season in years, taking them to the Play-In Tournament. 

Anthony Edwards has dealt with injuries as well, and he missed some time throughout the 2026 playoffs. Minnesota has been a victim of injuries in the past as Naz Reid wasn't 100% in the playoffs this year either. 

If the starting lineup for this team can stay healthy through the 2026-2027 season, there is a chance Lonzo Ball's prediction could come true. Minnesota was a team that made the Western Conference Finals in 2025, and with this move, the goal is clearly to get back there next season.