League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Hornets trade LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges as part of rebuilding effort

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 21, 2026, 1:57 PM

Last updated Aug 21, 2026

Hornets trade LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges as part of rebuilding effort

Summary

The Charlotte Hornets traded LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves and Miles Bridges to the Phoenix Suns in the 2026 offseason. This decision comes after the team struggled to build around its previous core. The Hornets are now focusing on a new foundation with young players Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel. Assistant GM Dotun Akinwale Jr. highlighted the strategic need to create a sustainable winning team rather than just experiencing playoff success. The emotional trades signal a definitive shift in the Hornets' approach to team building.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Market Watch

•LaMelo Ball joins the Timberwolves, Miles Bridges heads to the Suns.
•Hornets aim to build around younger talents like Brandon Miller.
•Assistant GM emphasizes desire for sustainable team success.
•The trades follow a disappointing past season for the Hornets.
•Front office discussions indicated emotional weight of these decisions.

Latest Updates

1:57 PMYahoo Sports — Hornets GM Jeff Peterson Explains Why LaMelo Ball Trade Led To Miles Bridges Exit
3:18 AMYahoo Sports — The Hornets address the real reason behind trading away both LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges

What they're saying

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Jeff Peterson revealed why trading LaMelo Ball essentially meant Miles Bridges would follow as Charlotte committed to a long-term rebuild.
— Yahoo Sports