Why Timberwolves’ LaMelo Ball Trade Is Good for Anthony Edwards

One of the biggest moves of the NBA offseason was the Minnesota Timberwolves trading for Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball in exchange for Naz Reid and multiple draft picks. 

The Timberwolves have seen a lot of success in recent seasons thanks to the emergence of Anthony Edwards. In 2024 and 2025, they made the Western Conference Finals in back-to-back seasons, but they haven't been able to get over the hump. 

One issue that could be a reason why they haven't been to the NBA Finals with Edwards yet is that the Timberwolves haven't had a truly reliable second option on offense alongside him. LaMelo Ball was brought in to be that kind of player for them, and with his playmaking skills, he could take the Timberwolves to new heights. 

ESPN's Brian Windhorst made an interesting point about LaMelo Ball's play style and how it could complement Anthony Edwards moving forward.

Edwards is a player who sees double teams frequently from teams, partly because the Timberwolves haven't had a real offensive threat alongside him in the backcourt. Ball could relieve him of the pressure that teams may put on him. 

Some of the most notable point guards Anthony Edwards has played with since being drafted to Minnesota are D'Angelo Russel, Ricky Rubio, Jordan McLaughlin, and Mike Conley. While each of them brought their own skill set to the team, none of them played as dynamic as Ball. 

LaMelo Ball has been known to raise the level of play of his teammates around him. Players like Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Kon Knueppel all benefited from playing with LaMelo, and they gave the Hornets their most successful season in years. 

There are also other players on the Timberwolves who could see more success with the arrival of LaMelo Ball. Ayo Dosunmu and Jaden McDaniels are two players who are capable of having big offensive games, and now with a dynamic point guard who can set them up for success, they could be in for big individual seasons. 

One concern about Ball is the injuries. Before 2025-2026, he spent the last three seasons playing no more than 47 games. This past season, Ball played in 72 games, and he also saw the most success in a season, making an appearance in the Play-In Tournament and beating the Miami Heat before being eliminated. 

If the Timberwolves can mesh with Ball's play style, Anthony Edwards and others could be in for a big season, and the team could finally get over the hump and make the NBA Finals.