LaMelo Ball scores 21 in Timberwolves debut after four-team trade
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The gist
Timberwolves guard LaMelo Ball scored 21 points in a 131-106 season-opening win over the Miami Heat.
Minnesota traded for him to create offense for Anthony Edwards, who scored 45.
Background
LaMelo Ball is a Minnesota Timberwolves guard acquired from the Charlotte Hornets in a four-team trade with Brooklyn, Charlotte and Chicago. Ball had played in only 43 percent of games over a three-year stretch from 2022-25 before a promising 2025-26 season that helped push Charlotte into the play-in. Minnesota hopes he can create more offensive opportunities for Anthony Edwards, a Timberwolves guard who scored 45 points in the opener.
How it unfolded
- Oct 21, 2026Ball debuted for Minnesota in a 131-106 win over the Miami Heat, scoring 21 points with six assists and two steals in 29 minutes.
- Oct 21, 2026Before the opener, Ball said on ESPN's pre-game coverage that his partner Analicia Chaves handles tasks like changing their newborn's diapers and that it wasn't his job.
- Oct 22, 2026Minnesota acquired Ball and guard Josh Green in a four-team trade with Brooklyn, Charlotte and Chicago, sending Naz Reid and a package of draft picks to the Hornets.
- Oct 22, 2026Ball listed a $2.6 million luxury Charlotte condo after the trade.
- Oct 23, 2026Ball recorded 12 points, five rebounds and five assists in a Friday win over the Magic.
Who’s saying what
- Support
- Ball said it felt great being with his new teammates and winning; Edwards said the two are going to be like best friends.
- Public
- Fans on social media criticized Ball's diaper comments, with one tweet calling it embarrassing for his partner.
- Caution
- RotoWire noted one game isn't enough to draw meaningful conclusions and that Ball's long-term fantasy ceiling will depend on how consistently he handles playmaking duties.
Still unverified
SB Nation described Ball as getting away with 'the most obvious travel of all-time' in his Timberwolves debut, an uncalled violation.