The Minnesota Timberwolves just executed one of the most surprising blockbusters in recent NBA history, given how quickly it escalated. It was less than 12 hours between reports that the Timberwolves were among teams pursuing Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, and when they agreed to terms on the deal. However, acquiring LaMelo Ball was not a sudden panic move; if anything, it was just the opposite. The T’Wolves reportedly had been pursuing Ball for two years, according to The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski.
While the trade itself came so quickly that it was possible for someone to literally sleep through the initial report of interest and the news of the deal from ESPN’s Shams Charania, it appears Minnesota had coveted the 24-year-old playmaker for quite a while.
The trade reportedly includes the following:
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Timberwolves receive: LaMelo Ball and Josh Green
Hornets receive: Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps (2028, 2029 and 2030) and three second-round picks (2029, 2032 and 2033)
Given the fact that the Timberwolves recently traded Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets, and were fully expected to slot Naz Reid in as the new starting power forward, it’s apparent how badly they wanted Ball. Reid is just 26 years old and gave glimpses of his high ceiling throughout recent seasons and specifically during the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
Although the draft capital included appears to be a lot, there’s a decent chance the pick swamps become moot, though Charlotte picks up more than enough to make an additional move if they choose to do so. This trade also gives the Hornets open cap space heading into free agency, at a time when several other notable names could be on the trade market.
Regardless, for the Timberwolves, it sounds as though they “got their guy” with this trade, especially considering the lengthy pursuit. The deal may have taken about 12 hours to get done, but apparently, it was two years of interest that helped fuel the trade.
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This article originally appeared on For The Win: Timberwolves’ LaMelo Ball trade was years (not hours) in the making
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