The Charlotte Hornets are trading LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves, as reported by ESPN. This move follows rumors that emerged during the second round of the NBA Draft, leading to a competitive bidding process, ultimately won by Minnesota.

Trade Details:

• Timberwolves receive: LaMelo Ball, Josh Green
• Hornets receive: Naz Reid, a 2033 first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps (2028, 2029, 2030), and three second-round picks (2029, 2032, 2033).

This trade marks one of the most surprising deals in recent NBA history. Despite trade speculation surrounding Ball, he concluded one of his best seasons, playing 72 games—the most since 2022—and averaging 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.1 assists. He ranked ninth in the league in assists and second in three-pointers, contributing to the Hornets' offensive rating of 125.8 while on the court.

After a rocky start of 4-14 last season, the Hornets rallied to finish with 44 wins, their highest since 2016. Despite missing the playoffs after a disappointing loss to the Orlando Magic, they showcased a promising young core featuring Ball, Kon Knueppel, and Brandon Miller.

In Minnesota, Ball will pair with Anthony Edwards, creating an exciting backcourt for a Timberwolves team looking to revitalize after recent playoff exits. Following a three-team deal that sent Julius Randle and the No. 28 pick to the Brooklyn Nets, the Timberwolves now face the challenge of filling the void left by Naz Reid while managing a reshuffled roster.

LaMelo Ball, the No. 3 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, has three guaranteed years and over $130 million remaining on his contract, with the opportunity to sign a two-year, $119.2 million extension on July 6.