In what may be the most shocking NBA trade of the year, the Charlotte Hornets just sent Lamelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a deal that includes Naz Reid. The move has massive ramifications for both teams as well as the NBA.
The Timberwolves send a haul to the Hornets for a star-studded new backcourt in Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball -- the Nos. 1 and 3 picks in 2020. Charlotte didn't shop Ball in the market, but listened and received multiple rich offers before filling a significant need in the… https://t.co/zVKBB1B7hC
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 25, 2026
The Hornets were finally looking like they were building a strong playoff team, only for them to trade Ball for Reid and picks. Let's take a look and see who won the trade.
The Hornets stun the NBA by trading LaMelo Ball
The Hornets moving Ball now seems like an odd time. At one point, they were the second-hottest team in the NBA last season. With a full season, they might have been a legit playoff team. Now, they lose Ball; granted, they get Reid, who is a fantastic power forward who will help at a position of weakness.
They did get a future first, three pick swaps, and 3 seconds. But if the Wolves are any good during the next four seasons, those pick swaps are completely useless. The Wolves seem like they will be a playoff team for the foreseeable future, so it's hard to call those pick swaps assets.
Simply put, there isn't enough value here for the Wolves. Even if their rationale is that Reid is 85% of Ball's value, the picks still don't make the trade equal for the Hornets.
Trade Grade: D-
The Timberwolves shockingly land a Anthony Edwards co-star in Ball
Despite giving up an unprotected first, three pick swaps, and three seconds, as well as Reid, it's hard to say the Wolves didn't win the deal. 24 hours ago, no one expected them to land an Anthony Edwards co-star, but they now have one in Ball.
Not only that but they just solved their point guard problem. Their presumed starting lineup now includes Ball, Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Nic Claxton, and Rudy Gobert.
However, they may now look to move Gobert or Claxton for a power forward who can space the floor. Still, their roster suddenly looks much better with Ball, Edwards, McDaniels, the recently re-signed Ayo Dosunmu, and Donte DiVincenzo when he returns from injury.
Going from being less big-man-centric to more perimeter-oriented is a wise move and is reflected in their trade grade.
Trade Grade: A
