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LaMelo Ball news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Hornets traded LaMelo Ball to Timberwolves in a four-team deal.
Ball's playmaking could elevate Minnesota as second option to Anthony Edwards.
Background
LaMelo Ball, a dynamic but polarizing guard, spent six years with the Charlotte Hornets before being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a four-team deal involving the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets. The trade was agreed on June 25 and completed with Ball and Josh Green going to Minnesota, while Charlotte received a package including an unprotected 2033 first-round pick and multiple swaps. The move is part of a roster overhaul for the Hornets, who also traded Miles Bridges.
How it unfolded
- Jun 25, 2026The Ball trade was agreed upon as a four-team deal involving the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets.
- Aug 19, 2026Hornets guard Sion James admits it's 'different' without LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, and Josh Green.
- Aug 20, 2026Timberwolves executive Tim Connelly praises Ball's playmaking, and Sion James calls the trades a 'shock to the system'.
Who’s saying what
- Timberwolves
- Tim Connelly says Ball is not just a passer but an actual playmaker who can pass teammates into open shots.
- Hornets
- Sion James says the trades were a 'shock to the system' but notes a higher level of maturity in the locker room.
- Analysts
- Some analysts warn the Hornets may face a rude awakening, as Coby White is talented but not likely to lead an elite offense like Ball did.