MINNEAPOLIS | The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly acquiring LaMelo Ball and Josh Green from the Charlotte Hornets in a major NBA trade that sends Naz Reid and future draft capital to Charlotte.
ESPN reported that Charlotte is sending Ball and Green to Minnesota for Reid, an unprotected 2033 first-round pick, first-round pick swaps in 2028, 2029 and 2030, and second-round picks in 2029, 2032 and 2033. Reuters and the Associated Press also reported the core framework of the deal, making this a focused roster story rather than a roundup of unrelated NBA headlines.
The reported move gives the Timberwolves another high-profile ball-handler next to Anthony Edwards while moving Reid, a productive frontcourt piece, to a Hornets team collecting future assets. For Minnesota, the immediate question is how Ball’s playmaking and shot creation fit with Edwards and the rest of the roster. For Charlotte, the deal shifts attention toward Reid, Green’s departure and the long-term value of the draft package.
The trade also carries risk for both sides. Ball brings All-Star-level talent and offensive creativity, but his availability and defensive fit will be watched closely. Minnesota is giving up a rotation big and several layers of future draft flexibility, while Charlotte is moving one of its most recognizable players and asking fans to accept a longer roster-building timeline.
What remains unclear is when the teams and league will formally complete or announce every transaction detail. Until official team or NBA transaction pages publish final language, the reported terms should be treated as the working framework of the deal.
Additional Reporting By: ESPN; Reuters; Associated Press; CBS Minnesota