Hornets Trade LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to Timberwolves for Naz Reid and Draft Picks
4 verified4 unconfirmed
The Charlotte Hornets have traded guards LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves for forward Naz Reid and a package of draft picks. The deal, reported after the 2026 NBA Draft, sends Ball—an All-Star in 2022—to Minnesota to pair with Anthony Edwards in the backcourt. The Hornets will receive Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three second-round picks, and three first-round pick swaps. Ball, 24, has battled ankle and foot injuries but played 72 games last season. The Hornets are expected to re-sign unrestricted free agent Coby White as their starting point guard. The trade signals a new direction for Charlotte, which will now focus on building around Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel.
What’s verified
The Charlotte Hornets traded LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Naz Reid and a series of draft picks.
The Hornets will receive a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three second-round picks (2029, 2032, 2033), and three first-round pick swaps (2028, 2029, 2030).
LaMelo Ball was an All-Star in 2022.
The Hornets plan to re-sign Coby White as their starting point guard.
Not yet confirmed
Ball’s exact 2025-26 season averages (20.1 points, 7.1 assists, 4.8 rebounds per game) come from a single report.
Ball’s contract details (three years left on a five-year, $203.9 million deal) come from a single report.
The Hornets’ 44-win season and the interest from the Toronto Raptors and Portland Trail Blazers are mentioned by only one source.
The Timberwolves’ prior trade exception and pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo are mentioned by one source.
Key figures
LaMelo Ball, Josh Green, Naz Reid, Coby White, Anthony Edwards, Charles Lee, Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, Christian Anderson Jr., Jalen McDaniels, Julius Randle
Sources: Sky Sports, sbnation.com
