The Minnesota Timberwolves are coming off a postseason in which they were second-round exits in the playoffs and finished as the 6th seed in the West. While the Timberwolves have been trying to be as competitive as possible with their star player, Anthony Edwards, things could be changing for them this upcoming season. 

The Timberwolves have made two pivotal moves this offseason. First, the franchise sent forward Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets in a three-team trade in exchange for draft compensation. This move eventually led to Minnesota trading for star Hornets guard LaMelo Ball in exchange for Naz Reid and draft compensation.  

Minnesota has been searching for a reliable second option next to Anthony Edwards in the backcourt for multiple seasons, and they believe Ball is the solution to their previous problem. 

If LaMelo Ball can be that true second option for the Timberwolves come playoff time, there's a chance we may see Minnesota in the Finals in the near future. In 2025, this was a team that made the Western Conference Finals, mostly because of Anthony Edwards' heroic play throughout the postseason. 

They were also getting good production from the rest of the rotation, including Julius Randle, who was seen as their second option at the time, but it was clear that Edwards was the true engine of this team. He averaged 25.3 points per game, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists in the 2025 playoffs, playing some of the best basketball of his career. 

Edwards now gets LaMelo Ball, who is coming off his most durable season and led the Hornets to their best season in a very long time. The Hornets finished the season 44-38 and made an appearance in the Play-In Tournament.

While LaMelo hasn't officially made a playoff appearance in his career, last season, he got a taste of winning basketball. It also showed that in order for him to have seasons like that, he will have to be a durable player. Through 77 games in 2025-2026, he averaged 20 points per game, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.1 assists. 

LaMelo proved to be one of the league's best playmakers last season and was the leader of a young and exciting Hornets team. Charlotte had an explosive offense thanks to him setting up teammates to succeed. 

The Timberwolves gave up a lot of assets to put a floor general like Ball alongside Edwards, and they could take their success to new heights next season.