Timberwolves Acquire Ball, Green from Hornets in Major Trade

In a significant NBA offseason move, the Charlotte Hornets have reportedly agreed to trade star point guard LaMelo Ball and forward Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The deal, as reported by ESPN, would send Ball and Green to Minnesota in exchange for center Naz Reid and a package of draft picks. Sources indicate the Hornets would acquire a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, along with pick swaps in 2028, 2029, and 2030, plus three second-round picks in 2029, 2032, and 2033.

This trade is part of a broader strategy by the Timberwolves to assemble a roster capable of competing for an NBA championship. The team recently traded forward Julius Randle and a 2026 first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets, seemingly to clear salary cap space. There are also reports of a contract extension agreement with guard Ayo Dosunmu.

LaMelo Ball, 25 in August, has been plagued by injuries throughout his six-year NBA career, playing in 303 games. Last season, he averaged 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.1 assists over 72 games. Josh Green, 25, was a first-round pick in 2020 and has played for the Mavericks and Hornets, averaging 4.3 points in limited minutes last season. Naz Reid, 27, has been a valuable contributor for the Timberwolves since joining in 2019, earning Sixth Man of the Year honors in the 2023-24 season.

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ESPN today reported that the Charlotte Hornets will trade Ball and Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves, receiving center Reid and multiple draft picks.