Hornets trade LaMelo Ball to Timberwolves in major offseason shake-up
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 13, 2026, 11:05 AM
Last updated Jul 13, 2026
The Charlotte Hornets traded LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of a significant roster overhaul. Head coach Charles Lee described the move as challenging, acknowledging the emotional weight of parting ways with Ball, who had played six seasons in Charlotte. The trade reportedly includes multiple draft picks and players, as the Hornets aim to build around their young core. Lee emphasized the front office's long-term vision despite potential pushback from fans. The trade was finalized following a substantial improvement last season, where Charlotte finished 44-38 and reached the play-in tournament.
- •Charotte shipped LaMelo Ball after six seasons with the team.
- •Hornets acquired Naz Reid and multiple draft picks in return.
- •Team president Jeff Peterson stated the trade supports long-term goals.
- •Hornets finished last season with a 44-38 record and a near-playoff appearance.
- •Lee expressed the emotional difficulty of the trade during ESPN's Summer League coverage.
- 11:05 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Some of the Moves Seem Daunting’ — Hornets HC Charles Lee Breaks Silence on Charlotte’s Polarizing Offseason, Surprise LaMelo Ball Trade
"The Charlotte Hornets made one of the offseason’s most unexpected moves by agreeing to ship LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves late last month. After spending the first six years of his NBA career in Charlotte, Ball’s departure marked the end of an era, with Hornets head coach Charles Lee shedding light on how difficult the newly processed trade was to accept.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NBA•Oct 17, 2026, 5:30 PMJoel Embiid makes his plan clear on where he will be during the New York Knicks ring ceremony
NBA•Oct 17, 2026, 5:29 PMLeBron James on using helicopter to commute to Sixers: 'Just another way of transportation'- NBA•Oct 17, 2026, 5:20 PMSixers' Jaylen Brown opens up on emotions of facing old Celtics team
- NBA•Oct 17, 2026, 2:26 PMNeemias Queta Lands Behind Former Celtics Star in Sporting News' Center Rankings
NBA•Oct 17, 2026, 1:04 PM'I'm done with visits': Five-star Houston prospect nears a major decision
NBA•Oct 17, 2026, 12:53 PMJoel Embiid rejects the narrative that anyone needs to …
