Minnesota pairs LaMelo Ball’s elite vision with Anthony Edwards’ scoring prowess, creating a dynamic backcourt designed to dismantle playoff defenses in pursuit of a deeper NBA title run.
One of the NBA's Western Conference contenders just got better after another blockbuster offseason trade.
Per ESPN's Shams Charania, the Minnesota Timberwolves have agreed upon a trade with the Charlotte Hornets that will bring star playmaker LaMelo Ball to Minnesota to pair with guard Anthony Edwards, furthering the team's stake as a legitimate championship contender.
For more on the trade and Minnesota's new superstar backcourt, Timberwolves Roundtable writer Jeremy Lambert has an in-depth look at Ball's impact joining the team.
In return for Ball and guard Josh Green, the Hornets recoup a massive trade package. Along with forward Naz Reid, Charlotte collects first-round pick swaps in 2028, 2029 and 2030 along with second-round picks in 2029, 2032 and 2033 and an unprotected 2033 first-round selection.
For the price of seven selections (three of which swaps) and Reid, the Timberwolves have added an elite distributor with long-range shooting acumen and outstanding court vision.
He will be the perfect complement to Edwards' superstar-level production and the duo is sure to put on a show for Timberwolves fans with unmatched swagger and confidence.
The trade, while heavily loaded in assets out of Minnesota, feels like a worthwhile investment by the Timberwolves front office.
Ahead of the NBA draft, there were reports that Edwards and the franchise could be headed toward a split amidst frustrations. Were those frustrations truly prepared to jeopardize the partnership moving forward, the acquisition of Ball should quell all concerns.
The Timberwolves made a deep run in the 2025-26 NBA playoffs, eliminated in the Western Conference Semifinals by the eventual Conference Champion San Antonio Spurs.
The Spurs were able to knock off the T-Wolves by focusing on Edwards and forcing his teammates to make plays. Now, with both Edwards and Ball on the court together, Minnesota is better equipped to handle that kind of defensive gameplan.
NBA Free Agency opens on June 30. Minnesota will have more opportunity to continue to build around its already exciting new nucleus.
