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Minnesota Lands LaMelo Ball, Josh Green, Exceeds Luxury Tax

6/26/2026

Summary

Ball Joins Minnesota

June 25, 2026, Minnesota acquired LaMelo Ball and Josh Green from Charlotte.
Charlotte received Naz Reid, a 2033 pick, three pick swaps (2028-2030) and three second-round picks, creating a $41 million trade exception—largest—while Minnesota lost its $33 million exception and will exceed luxury-tax apron.
Tim Connelly, Minnesota’s president of basketball operations, called it a gamble to pair Ball with Anthony Edwards as Charlotte hopes to sell Ball for Coby White’s $74 million deal.

Summary

Ball Faces Fines

Cram gave the Ball trade a D+ grade, saying Minnesota lost first-round picks.
The deal left Minnesota thin after moving Julius Randle, prompting rumors despite keeping Rudy Gobert.
Ball was fined $35,000 for contact with Bam Adebayo and $25,000 for profanity, apologized and sparked the “6-7” meme, which was named 2025 word of the year.
Naz Reid became a hero in Minnesota, with fans tattooing his name after the 2024 playoff run.

History

Historical Context

In February 2015 the Minnesota Timberwolves traded Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Kyrie Irving, Andrew Wiggins, future picks and a $70 million contract. Love then helped the Cavaliers win 34 of their last 43 games, finish 53-29 and reach the NBA Finals, a precedent that frames today’s LaMelo Ball-centered future strategic rebuild.

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Ball Joins Minnesota

June 25, 2026, Minnesota acquired LaMelo Ball and Josh Green from Charlotte.
Charlotte received Naz Reid, a 2033 pick, three pick swaps (2028-2030) and three second-round picks, creating a $41 million trade exception—largest—while Minnesota lost its $33 million exception and will exceed luxury-tax apron.
Tim Connelly, Minnesota’s president of basketball operations, called it a gamble to pair Ball with Anthony Edwards as Charlotte hopes to sell Ball for Coby White’s $74 million deal.

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