The Minnesota Timberwolves have been having a very active offseason thus far, swapping Julius Randle and Naz Reid for LaMelo Ball.
On the eve of the 2026 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves traded Julius Randle and the 28th pick to the Brooklyn Nets in a three-team trade that created significant cap space for Minnesota.
A few days later, Minnesota traded Naz Reid to acquire 24-year-old LaMelo Ball.
The Timberwolves are going all-in at the guard position, pairing Ball with perennial All-Star Anthony Edwards, while leaving Rudy Gobert alone in a frontcourt that has historically been a position of significant depth.
Minnesota is taking a gamble on Ball, who led the Charlotte Hornets to a fantastic post All-Star break record, even though they were eliminated in the NBA Play-In tournament.
Full Breakdown of the Timberwolves and Hornets Trade:
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive:
LaMelo Ball (Guard)
Josh Green (Guard)
Charlotte Hornets Receive:
Naz Reid (Center)
2033 Unprotected 1st Round Pick (MIN)
2028, 2029 & 2030 1st Round Pick Swaps (MIN)
2029, 2032 & 2033 2nd Round Picks (MIN)
Ball is a one time All-Star in 2021/22, and has averaged 20.8 points, 7.3 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game in his six-year career. Ball's scoring average was down to 20.1 points per game last season, but he was playing on a much deeper and more competitive team than his previous five seasons.
How will LaMelo Ball fit with Anthony Edwards?
The Timberwolves are investing heavily in the duo of Ball and Edwards for the foreseeable future, but how will they fit together?
The dynamic guards are both 24 years old and still have room to develop their individual games. Edwards was selected first overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, while Ball was selected just two picks later at No. 3.
Both players demand significant attention from opposing defenses, but the question remains: how will they divide offensive touches?
LaMelo is a ball-dominant guard accustomed to running the show. However, this coming season will be the first time since his Chino Hills High School days—playing alongside his older brothers, Lonzo and LiAngelo—that LaMelo will not be the primary option on his team.
The pecking order is clear, with Anthony Edwards established as the team's leader. While Ball will benefit from playing alongside Edwards, the reverse is also true—Edwards will thrive with such a prolific scorer and passer as his running mate.
Edwards, a four-time All-Star, has never played with a guard possessing the passing and scoring skillset that Ball offers. While Mike Conley was a great floor general who relieved pressure on Edwards, he was not a major scoring threat in the later stages of his career. Ball provides both.
Edwards will be able to focus on scoring when on the floor with LaMelo, benefiting from Ball's elite passing ability.
The backcourt depth in Minnesota is shaping up nicely, but the team will need to add a few pieces next to Gobert in the frontcourt to be considered serious NBA Championship contenders.
Minnesota Timberwolves Depth Chart with LaMelo Ball
Position | Starter | 2nd Option |
Guard | LaMelo Ball | Ayo Dosunmu |
Guard | Anthony Edwards | Isaiah Evans |
Forward | Terrance Shannon Jr. | Julian Phillips |
Forward | Jaden McDaniels | Kyle Anderson |
Center | Rudy Gobert | Joan Beringer |
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