League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Trades

Hornets trade LaMelo Ball to Timberwolves for Reid and draft picks

The Guardian Sport • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 25, 2026, 1:46 PM

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

Hornets trade LaMelo Ball to Timberwolves for Reid and draft picks

Summary

The Charlotte Hornets have traded star guard LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In return, the Hornets receive Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps from 2028 to 2030, and three second-round picks in 2029, 2032, and 2033. This trade comes after the Hornets showed signs of improvement following a rough start last season, eventually contending for a playoff spot. With Ball's departure, the Hornets will rely on Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller to lead the team moving forward.

Source Links

The Guardian Sport ESPN CBS NBA Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Hornets trading LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to Timberwolves
•Minnesota receives an All-Star point guard and a fellow guard
•Charlotte gains Naz Reid and multiple draft picks
•Deal follows influential season for Hornets' offense
•Trade hints at Hornets' long-term strategy shifting

Latest Updates

4:21 PMThe Guardian Sport — Title-hunting Timberwolves reportedly add LaMelo Ball in trade with Hornets
2:40 PMESPN — Sources: Hornets' Ball to Wolves for Reid, picks
1:35 PMCBS NBA — LaMelo Ball traded to Minnesota Timberwolves: Hornets ship out All-Star point guard in stunning deal
1:31 PMYahoo Sports — Hornets reportedly trading LaMelo Ball, Josh Green to Timberwolves for Naz Reid, draft picks
1:30 PMYahoo Sports — Timberwolves trade big haul, including Naz Reid, to Charlotte for star point guard LaMelo Ball

What they're saying

"
Charlotte get Naz Reid, seven draft picks Minnesota also add guard Josh Green in swap Ball to pair with fellow 2020 draftee Anthony Edwards The Charlotte Hornets have agreed to trade LaMelo Ball, their starting point guard, and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves for power forward Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round draft pick, three first-round pick swaps and three future second-round picks, a person familiar with the situation told the Associated Press on Thursday. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal, first reported by ESPN, has yet to be approved by the league. Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby Agencies

"
The Hornets are trading star guard LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to the Timberwolves for Naz Reid and a series of draft picks, sources tell ESPN's Shams Charania.
— ESPN