Timberwolves trade Naz Reid to Charlotte Hornets in deal for LaMelo Ball
The Minnesota Timberwolves traded Naz Reid to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for LaMelo Ball. The Hornets are rebuilding after shedding expensive contracts and trading Miles Bridges. Coby White will serve as the Hornets' point guard for the 2026-27 season. Naz Reid is expected to play a bigger role for the Hornets.
What changed
A Charlotte Hornets forward has been named a breakout candidate ahead of the 2026-27 season, and the Hornets' front office has received a top-10 NBA ranking.
Live updates
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Timberwolves trade Naz Reid to Hornets for LaMelo Ball
The Minnesota Timberwolves traded Naz Reid to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for LaMelo Ball. The Hornets are rebuilding after shedding expensive contracts and trading Miles Bridges. Coby White will serve as the Hornets' point guard for the 2026-27 season. Naz Reid is expected to play a bigger role for the Hornets.
Why it matters
The trade is part of the Hornets' rebuilding efforts, following the departure of Miles Bridges and other expensive contracts. The Timberwolves' recent acquisition of Jonathan Kuminga has also impacted their roster. The Hornets' front office has earned recognition for their bold moves, including the trade for LaMelo Ball.
What is confirmed
- Coby White will serve as the Hornets' point guard for the 2026-27 season.
- The Hornets are rebuilding after shedding expensive contracts and trading Miles Bridges.
- Naz Reid is expected to play a bigger role for the Hornets.
- The Hornets' front office has earned recognition with a top-10 NBA ranking.
Still unconfirmed
- Aleksej Pokusevski says an NBA return is realistic at 24.
What to watch next
- The Timberwolves' next move after acquiring Jonathan Kuminga
- The Hornets' performance in the 2026-27 season
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (11)
- sports.yahoo.com — Hornets Forward Named Breakout Candidate for 2026-27 Season
- www.cbssports.com — NBA Summer Superlatives: Craziest contract, biggest gamble, saddest offseason, dumbest quote, more
- heavy.com — Timberwolves’ Jonathan Kuminga Deal Points to Another Major Trade
- sports.yahoo.com — Moussa Diabate Credits Taj Gibson for Advice That Helped Hornets Breakthrough
- sports.yahoo.com — Hornets' Updated NBA Power Ranking After Kuminga, Watson, DeRozan, Klay Deals
- heavy.com — Timberwolves Starting Lineup After Stealing Jonathan Kuminga From Lakers
- www.si.com — Despite Bold LaMelo Trade, Hornets Get Major Recognition With Top-10 NBA Front Office Ranking
- sports.yahoo.com — Coby White Set Up a Hornets Trip to Miami: 'I Wanted to Get Together'
- www.si.com — Why Josh Green Is Key to Wolves Signing Jonathan Kuminga
- sports.yahoo.com — Kings C Sabonis Ranked Top-13 Big Man in NBA
- ca.sports.yahoo.com — Former Hornet Aleksej Pokusevski Says an NBA Return Is 'Something Realistic'
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Timberwolves trade Naz Reid to Hornets for LaMelo Ball
The Minnesota Timberwolves traded Naz Reid to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for LaMelo Ball. The Hornets are rebuilding, having recently shed expensive contracts and traded Miles Bridges. Coby White will serve as the Hornets' point guard for the 2026-27 season. Naz Reid is expected to play a bigger role for the Hornets.
Why it matters
The trade is part of the Hornets' long-term strategy under General Manager Jeff Peterson. The team is looking to end their playoff drought. The trade has generated buzz about the potential for Naz Reid to have a breakout season.
What is confirmed
- Brandon Miller believes the 2026-27 Charlotte Hornets will take pride in working hard.
- Naz Reid is expected to play a bigger role for the Charlotte Hornets this upcoming season.
- Naz Reid is listed among the league's best breakout candidates.
Still unconfirmed
- If the Charlotte Hornets end their playoff drought, it'll likely be on the back of a breakout year for Naz Reid.
What to watch next
- The Hornets' 2026-27 season performance
- Naz Reid's breakout potential
- The impact of the trade on the Timberwolves' roster
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- sports.yahoo.com — Brandon Miller Expects New-Look Hornets to Be 'Hard-Working Team'
- sports.yahoo.com — Charlotte Hornets’ Naz Reid Labeled as Potential Breakout Candidate for 2026-27 Campaign
- therookiewire.usatoday.com — Hornets trade acquisition listed among league's best breakout candidates
- ca.sports.yahoo.com — Hornets Get Brutal 2026-27 Season Projection From ESPN After LaMelo Ball Trade
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Charlotte Hornets acquire Naz Reid in LaMelo Ball trade
The Charlotte Hornets traded LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Naz Reid. General manager Jeff Peterson described the move as part of a long-term strategy that also involved trading Miles Bridges. Coby White now serves as the Hornets' point guard for the 2026-27 season. The team recently shed two of its most expensive contracts during a summer of roster changes that has placed the franchise among the top 20 teams in NBA power rankings.
Why it matters
This trade signals a shift in Charlotte's core identity away from Ball and Bridges. The team is prioritizing chemistry and financial flexibility heading into the next season. Brandon Miller enters this new era as the team's leading scorer from the 2025-26 campaign.
What is confirmed
- The Charlotte Hornets traded LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
- The Charlotte Hornets acquired big man Naz Reid.
- General manager Jeff Peterson stated that trading LaMelo Ball made trading Miles Bridges the natural next step for the team's long-term strategy.
- Coby White is the point guard for the Hornets for the 2026-27 season.
- The Hornets moved on from two of their most expensive contracts during the offseason.
Still unconfirmed
- The Golden State Warriors may trade Steph Curry to the Charlotte Hornets for four players and three draft picks.
What to watch next
- Players reporting to training camp
- Official 2026-27 season roster performance for Naz Reid and Coby White
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (10)
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- www.nytimes.com — NBA Power Rankings: Where do LeBron, Giannis and LaMelo’s new teams rank?
- heavy.com — Warriors Proposed to Trade Steph Curry to Hometown Hornets for 4 Stars, 3 Picks
- sports.yahoo.com — Warriors predicted to trade Steph Curry to Hornets for $289M veteran quartet to begin new era
- sports.yahoo.com — Updated Ranking of Charlotte Hornets' Most Expensive Contracts
- ca.sports.yahoo.com — Hornets Ranked Top-20 NBA Team After Flurry of Offseason Moves
- sports.yahoo.com — New Hornets Big Man Naz Reid Earns Bold Prediction for 2026-27 NBA Season
- ca.sports.yahoo.com — Analyst Doesn't Believe Hornets Will Regret Trading LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges
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Hornets release insider look at LaMelo Ball trade
The Charlotte Hornets released a behind-the-scenes video detailing the decision to trade LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves. General manager Jeff Peterson stated that moving Ball made trading Miles Bridges the natural next step for the franchise's long-term strategy. The team is currently focusing on chemistry for the 2026-27 season as Coby White takes over at point guard. The trade occurred two months prior to this disclosure.
Why it matters
Minnesota acquired Ball and Josh Green in exchange for Naz Reid and draft picks. This move paired a former All-Star and 2021 Rookie of the Year with Anthony Edwards. The Hornets are using the offseason to shift their team identity.
What is confirmed
- The Charlotte Hornets released a behind-the-scenes look at the decision to trade LaMelo Ball.
- Hornets GM Jeff Peterson stated that trading LaMelo Ball made moving Miles Bridges the natural next step in the franchise's long-term plan.
Still unconfirmed
- HoopsMatic data indicates the Charlotte Hornets are the most popular trade destination for Nikola Jokic.
What to watch next
- Official roster movements regarding the Miles Bridges exit
- Performance of Coby White as the starting point guard for the 2026-27 season
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- news.ssbcrack.com — Charlotte Hornets Provide Inside Look at LaMelo Ball Trade to Timberwolves
- www.yardbarker.com — Hornets GM Jeff Peterson Explains Why LaMelo Ball Trade Led To Miles Bridges Exit
- www.yardbarker.com — Hornets release behind-the-scenes video of LaMelo Ball trade
- sports.yahoo.com — Coby White reveals how he and his Hornets teammates are getting along in the offseason
- sports.yahoo.com — Trade machine data shows Hornets as most popular destination for NBA star
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Timberwolves Acquire LaMelo Ball in Trade with Hornets
The Minnesota Timberwolves acquired LaMelo Ball and Josh Green from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Naz Reid and draft picks. This trade brings a former All-Star and 2021 Rookie of the Year to the Timberwolves' backcourt, alongside Anthony Edwards. The Hornets are shifting their team identity for the 2026-27 season, with Coby White set to replace Ball at point guard.
Why it matters
The trade is part of a larger offseason overhaul for both teams. The Timberwolves are looking to make a playoff breakthrough, while the Hornets are committed to a long-term rebuild. This deal is one of several moves made by the Hornets to retool their roster.
What is confirmed
- The Timberwolves acquired LaMelo Ball and Josh Green from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Naz Reid and draft picks.
- LaMelo Ball is a former All-Star and 2021 Rookie of the Year.
- The Hornets intend for Coby White to replace Ball at point guard.
- The Hornets are shifting their team identity for the 2026-27 season.
- Jeff Peterson revealed why trading LaMelo Ball essentially meant Miles Bridges would follow as Charlotte committed to a long-term rebuild.
Still unconfirmed
- A three-team Lakers trade idea doing the rounds would reunite Luka Doncic with Josh Green, a 3-and-D wing with untapped potential.
What to watch next
- The Timberwolves' performance in the 2026-27 season with LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards in the backcourt
- The Hornets' progress in their long-term rebuild
- The impact of the trade on Miles Bridges' career
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (6)
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- sports.yahoo.com — Lakers Trade Pitch Reunites Luka Doncic with Untapped ‘Freak Athlete’
- bleacherreport.com — LaMelo Ball Trade Talks Revealed by Hornets in New Behind-the-Scenes Video from NBA Free Agency
- sports.yahoo.com — Where Hornets Stack Up in Eastern Conference After Busy Offseason
- sports.yahoo.com — Hornets GM Jeff Peterson Explains Why LaMelo Ball Trade Led To Miles Bridges Exit
- ca.sports.yahoo.com — Hornets GM Shares LaMelo Ball Reason for Miles Bridges Trade
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Naz Reid joins Hornets as Timberwolves integrate LaMelo Ball
The Minnesota Timberwolves acquired LaMelo Ball and Josh Green from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Naz Reid and draft picks. Ball, a former All-Star and 2021 Rookie of the Year, joins Anthony Edwards in the Minnesota backcourt. Charlotte intends for Coby White to replace Ball at point guard. Naz Reid described the trade as a little shocking. While Minnesota looks to Ball for a playoff breakthrough, the Hornets are shifting their team identity for the 2026-27 season.
Why it matters
Minnesota President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly led the trade to reshape the roster. Coach Chris Finch previously stated the staff asked Anthony Edwards to do too much last season. The move positions Ball alongside Edwards to increase the team's ceiling in the Western Conference.
What is confirmed
- The Minnesota Timberwolves traded Naz Reid and draft picks to the Charlotte Hornets for LaMelo Ball and Josh Green.
- LaMelo Ball is a former All-Star and the 2021 Rookie of the Year.
- The Hornets waived Mouhamadou Gueye during roster adjustments.
Still unconfirmed
- LaMelo Ball faces a lawsuit in Charlotte regarding an unpaid rent bill exceeding six figures.
- Brandon Miller believes the Hornets are dangerous heading into the 2026-27 season.
- Coby White is expected to take over the point guard role in Charlotte.
- A Timberwolves executive believes Ball provides the spark needed to win in the playoffs.
What to watch next
- Court rulings or settlements regarding LaMelo Ball's rent lawsuit
- Performance of Coby White in the point guard role for Charlotte
- Timberwolves playoff results for the 2026-27 season
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
- therookiewire-eu.usatoday.com — Brandon Miller says Hornets are 'dangerous' ahead of 2026-27 NBA season
- sports.yahoo.com — Naz Reid Opens Up About Getting Traded to Charlotte Hornets: 'A Little Shocking'
- bleacherreport.com — 1 Major Question for Every Team After 2026 NBA Offseason
- sports.yahoo.com — LaMelo Ball Trade Grades: Who Won The Timberwolves-Hornets Blockbuster?
- www.si.com — Could Tim Connelly's Latest Timberwolves Pivot Be His Best Yet?
- sports.yahoo.com — LaMelo Ball’s Point Guard Replacement Confident In Charlotte Hornets Next Season
- sports.yahoo.com — Ranking Timberwolves’ Most Important Players for 2026-27 Season
- www.yardbarker.com — Chris Finch Admits Timberwolves Made a Mistake With Anthony Edwards
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Timberwolves Front Office Views LaMelo Ball as Key to Championship Breakthrough
The Minnesota Timberwolves have acquired LaMelo Ball and Josh Green from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Naz Reid and draft picks. A Timberwolves executive believes Ball provides the necessary spark for the team to finally win in the playoffs after years of contending without a breakthrough. The Hornets have waived Mouhamadou Gueye as part of their roster adjustments. While the Timberwolves focus on integrating Ball, the player is currently facing a lawsuit in Charlotte regarding an unpaid rent bill exceeding six figures.
Why it matters
Minnesota has struggled to advance deep into the playoffs despite consistent regular season success. This trade represents a win-now move to reshape the roster for a title run. The team now faces a void at the forward position following the departure of Reid.
Still unconfirmed
- Zach Lowe proposed a trade that would return Stephen Curry to Charlotte.
What to watch next
- Timberwolves signings of free agents to fill the forward vacancy
- Legal resolution of LaMelo Ball's rent dispute in Charlotte
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (7)
- tucson.com — Breaking down the best offseason move by all 30 NBA teams
- sports.yahoo.com — Why Timberwolves Can Finally Get Over the Hump in 2027
- heavy.com — Stephen Curry Homecoming Trade Floated for Hornets
- sports.yahoo.com — Three Free Agents Timberwolves Can Target to Fill Forward Void
- heavy.com — NBA Trade Rumors: Stephen Curry-Celtics Truth, Chet Holmgren & More
- www.yardbarker.com — Three NBA players under the most pressure next season, including Philadelphia 76ers star
- sports.yahoo.com — Timberwolves Executive Believes Team Can Take Next Step With LaMelo Ball
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Timberwolves trade Naz Reid to Hornets for LaMelo Ball
The Minnesota Timberwolves traded Naz Reid and draft picks to the Charlotte Hornets for LaMelo Ball and Josh Green. The Hornets have waived Mouhamadou Gueye. LaMelo Ball faces a lawsuit in Charlotte over an unpaid six-figure rent bill.
What's confirmed:
- The Minnesota Timberwolves traded Naz Reid and draft picks to the Charlotte Hornets for LaMelo Ball and Josh Green.
- The Hornets have waived Mouhamadou Gueye.
Still unconfirmed:
- LaMelo Ball could face a lawsuit in Charlotte for failing to pay a six-figure rent bill.
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (2)
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Timberwolves trade Naz Reid to Hornets for LaMelo Ball
The Minnesota Timberwolves traded Naz Reid and draft picks to the Charlotte Hornets for LaMelo Ball and Josh Green. This move adds a new point guard to the Timberwolves roster. The Hornets now have a roster crunch with 18 standard contracts.
What's confirmed:
- The Minnesota Timberwolves traded Naz Reid and draft picks to the Charlotte Hornets for LaMelo Ball and Josh Green.
- The Charlotte Hornets have 18 standard contracts, creating a roster crunch.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
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Minnesota Timberwolves Acquire LaMelo Ball from Charlotte Hornets
The Minnesota Timberwolves have traded Naz Reid and draft picks to the Charlotte Hornets for LaMelo Ball and Josh Green. This move adds a new point guard to the Timberwolves roster. Charlotte currently faces a roster crunch with 18 standard contracts.
Still unconfirmed:
- Charlotte carries 18 standard contracts against a 15-man limit.
- The Hornets have a record $40.8M trade exception.
- Three guarantee dates and three club options are due Oct. 31 for Charlotte.
- An insider proposed a hypothetical trade sending Stephen Curry to Charlotte for Christian Anderson Jr., Tidjane Salaun, Grayson Allen, and picks.
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (4)
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Timberwolves Acquire LaMelo Ball and Josh Green from Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets have traded LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In exchange, Minnesota sent Naz Reid and draft picks to Charlotte. The move provides the Timberwolves with a new point guard.
What's confirmed:
- The Charlotte Hornets traded LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
- Naz Reid was traded to the Charlotte Hornets as part of the deal.
- The Timberwolves sent draft picks to the Hornets in the transaction.
Still unconfirmed:
- An NBA analyst claimed the trade occurred because there are consequences for actions.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (14)
- Sources: Hornets trade Ball, Green to Timberwolves for Reid, picks
- Live: Timberwolves trade Naz Reid to Charlotte Hornets in deal for LaMelo Ball
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- How the LaMelo Ball era in Charlotte came to its sudden end
- Wolves’ LaMelo Ball gamble was their only move, and the Hornets would agree
- ’There Are Consequences for Your Actions’ — NBA Analyst Makes Explosive Claim About Why Hornets Traded LaMelo Ball
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- 4 takeaways: How reported LaMelo Ball, Naz Reid trade impacts Wolves ...
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