The Minnesota Timberwolves are going all in with LaMelo Ball.
The Minnesota Timberwolves wanted to shake things up in the offseason, and they did exactly that just one day after the NBA Draft.
On Thursday morning, it was reported by ESPN's Sham Charania that the Timberwolves have acquired LaMelo Ball and Josh Green from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps (2028, 2029, 2030), and three second-round picks (2029, 2032, 2033).
The move comes just days after the Timberwolves traded starting power forward Julius Randle and the 28th overall pick to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for the 33rd overall pick in a three-team deal that also included the Chicago Bulls.
What Is Minnesota Getting In LaMelo Ball?
The Spurs consistently forced Edwards to give up the ball and dared other players to beat them. Without the spacing or passing of Donte DiVincenzo, the Timberwolves didn't have the firepower to do that.
Ball immediately fixes that issue.
He's one of the most creative players in the league, and while he can be maddening with his decision making and flare, there is no denying his talent.
He's a high-volume shooter, but shot just 40% from the field and 36% from three on ten attempts per game. He's an excellent ball-handler and passer, who will be able to his spots in the paint and get the ball to others. He cut down on his turnovers this past season, which was a positive sign for his playmaking.
He's crafty around the rim, though his finishing rate did drop this past season from 60% to 58%.
Pairing him with Edwards gives Minnesota a young backcourt that should be exciting on the court.
Was It Too Much?
You have to give to get, and Minnesota was always going to have to give up Naz Reid or Jaden McDaniels in order to get another star player they coveted, especially after giving away Randle.
McDaniels was deemed untouchable outside of potentially acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo or Nikola Jokic, so Reid became the option.
Losing Reid further depletes their frontcourt depth, which is now Rudy Gobert and Joan Beringer, though McDaniels can play the four.
The 2033 unprotected pick could come back to bite them as there is a possibility that Edwards and Ball are no longer on the team, but the swaps up until 2030 are good bets as Minnesota should continue to be in the playoff mix, barring injuries.
Their options outside of Ball weren't exactly strong, either. Ja Morant and Kawhi Leonard were rumored targets, but Morant hasn't played much over the past three seasons, and Kawhi is 35. While they may have been able to get away with giving up less picks for those two, Reid still would've been required.
Betting on Ball, a player who is on the same timeline as Edwards and now goes to a team with a winning culture, is a better outcome.
