Story perspectives

Timberwolves trade for LaMelo Ball and Josh Green

By Drooid · Oct 16, 2026, 11:19 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Minnesota Timberwolves acquired LaMelo Ball and Josh Green from the Charlotte Hornets.
Minnesota sent Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, and future pick swaps.
Charlotte received a $40.8 million trade exception and first-round picks through 2029 and 2030.
Hornets will rebuild around forward Brandon Miller and guard Kon Knueppel.
Miller, cleared from shoulder surgery, will start the season sharing duties with Reid.

History

Historical Context

In the 1996 NBA draft, the Charlotte Hornets selected Kobe Bryant with the 13th overall pick and on July 1 traded his rights to the Los Angeles Lakers for center Vlade Divac. The move gave Charlotte future draft assets and created a template for swapping young talent for picks—a pattern repeated in today’s Timberwolves-Hornets deal.

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Story summary

Minnesota Timberwolves acquired LaMelo Ball and Josh Green from the Charlotte Hornets.
Minnesota sent Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, and future pick swaps.
Charlotte received a $40.8 million trade exception and first-round picks through 2029 and 2030.
Hornets will rebuild around forward Brandon Miller and guard Kon Knueppel.
Miller, cleared from shoulder surgery, will start the season sharing duties with Reid.

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