The Charlotte Hornets have agreed to trade guards LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves for power forward Naz Reid and multiple draft picks. ESPN reports the Hornets receive a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three second-round selections, and three first-round pick swaps through 2030. This represents a significant shakeup for both franchises as Charlotte moves in a new direction.

Ball, a 2022 All-Star, played 72 games last season while averaging 20.1 points, 7.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds. Despite ongoing ankle and foot issues throughout his career, he helped Charlotte improve from 19 to 44 wins. The 24-year-old still has three years remaining on his $203.9m rookie contract, making this an expensive departure for the Hornets.

Minnesota acquires a dynamic playmaker to pair with their existing core. Reid, 26, spent seven seasons with the Timberwolves and averaged 13.6 points with 6.2 rebounds last year. The draft capital gives Minnesota long-term flexibility while adding an All-Star guard to their backcourt rotation.

Charlotte plans to re-sign unrestricted free agent Coby White as their new starting point guard. White posted 15.6 points per game last season after arriving from Chicago, shooting 39.1% from beyond the arc. This trade signals Charlotte's rebuild while Minnesota pushes for immediate contention.