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On Thursday, it was reported that the Minnesota Timberwolves would be acquiring LaMelo Ball and Josh Green from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Naz Reid, a 2023 unprotected first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps (2028, 2029, 2030), and three second-round picks (2029, 2032, 2033).
The deal came just days after the team traded Julius Randle and their 2026 first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets for a second-round pick in 2026.

After losing to the San Antonio Spurs in six games in the second round of the playoffs, Minnesota was reported to be looking to make significant changes to the roster to remain competitive in the West.
The Timberwolves were linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was ultimately traded to the Miami Heat, Kawhi Leonard, Ja Morant, and more, leading up to the NBA Draft, but LaMelo’s name came seemingly out of nowhere.
According to Jon Krawzynski of The Athletic, Minnesota also had eyes on Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown.
“The Wolves did have discussions with the Celtics on Jaylen Brown as well, sources told The Athletic. But they saw LaMelo Ball as fitting more of what they needed, for likely less compensation going out,” wrote Krawzynski.

It was added that a trade to get Brown still would’ve required Reid and similar draft compensation, with Rudy Gobert also added to the deal.
It wasn’t stated if Boston would’ve included another player in the deal like Charlotte included Green, but Gobert and Reid make a combined $59 million while Brown makes $57 million, so the money would’ve matched without extra compensation on the Boston side.
Had they gotten Brown, they would’ve traded their entire front court within the span of days for just Brown.
There are changes, and then there is going overboard. Though Brown is a better player than LaMelo, the combination of LaMelo and Gobert is better than just having Brown. Minnesota’s front court would’ve been McDaniels playing the four and Joan Beringer, who has played just 314 regular season minutes, at the five.

Though Gobert is flawed, he’s still one of the best defensive centers in the league and contributes on offense with his screening and offensive rebounding. Now, he’ll be playing with a true point guard in his prime for the first time since he was traded to Minnesota.
Ball is also five years younger than Brown, and on a similar timeline to Anthony Edwards as both were in the same 2020 draft class.
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