Minnesota swing big and give Anthony Edwards a new running mate in LaMelo Ball
For weeks, one question kept hanging over the Timberwolves: how do you convince Anthony Edwards this group can still take the next step? After another playoff exit and a string of moves that only added to the doubt, the front office has answered in dramatic fashion.
According to Shams Charania, Minnesota has reached a deal with Charlotte to land LaMelo Ball. Josh Green is also heading to Minnesota. In return, the Hornets get Naz Reid, an unprotected first-round pick in 2033, three first-round swap rights and three second-round picks.
Charlotte turns the page
In Charlotte, this trade marks the end of an era. Drafted in 2020, Rookie of the Year in his first season ahead of Anthony Edwards, then an All-Star the following year, LaMelo Ball had become the face of the Hornets despite injuries that have too often stalled his rise.
The franchise gets a proven piece in Naz Reid and, crucially, a hefty pile of draft assets to build for the years ahead. The decision is clear: bet on the future rather than keep chasing with their 24-year-old point guard.
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The Wolves change direction
In recent days, there had been plenty of noise around Anthony Edwards. His camp quickly shut it down, but one thing was obvious: Minnesota had to keep building a team with real title ambitions. With LaMelo Ball coming in, the Wolves are backing one of the league’s most imaginative guards. The former Hornets star will now form a highly anticipated pairing with Edwards, two players from the same draft class who are entering the best years of their careers.
After the departures of Julius Randle and then Naz Reid, the roster looks very different. Minnesota is taking a gamble, but it is also making its intent plain: rebuild around its franchise player and keep pushing for the top.
On paper, this is a team that demands attention. Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball should be box office, but now it has to work on the floor. Offensively, it is fascinating. Defensively, players like Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels will have to do plenty of heavy lifting. Because the Minnesota Timberwolves and Anthony Edwards are still chasing that final step.
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