There has been a sudden rise in trade activity around the league over the last few days. From significant signings to major trade news, the NBA has seen considerable activity. However, with Charlotte Hornets superstar LaMelo Ball reportedly on the trade block, it doesn’t appear as if things will be slowing down.
Among the teams that have emerged as suitors for LaMelo Ball, the Minnesota Timberwolves appear particularly intriguing. Having made some drastic moves to improve their cap flexibility, the Wolves can be considered a legitimate landing spot. However, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Minnesota has maintained some restrictions before entering trade negotiations. He wrote:
“Minnesota has maintained that perimeter defensive ace Jaden McDaniels is off limits in trade conversations. Sources say that the Wolves also prefer to ‘do right’ by injured guard Donte DiVincenzo and keep the Villanova product out of their offseason business after he sustained a devastating torn Achilles during Minnesota’s first-round playoff victory over Denver.”
“The Wolves, sources say, would also prefer not to part with 2024-25 Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid, but it is difficult to see how they could construct a credible trade offer for Ball without including Reid or fellow big man Rudy Gobert.”
LaMelo Ball has been viewed as one of the most vital members of the Hornets’ rotation. Having played a key role in the team’s inspiring run at the start of the 2026 calendar year, he was expected to remain with the team going into the 2026-27 season as well. Unfortunately, Charlotte seems to be headed in a different direction.
The Wolves’ reservation to include Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid in a trade for LaMelo Ball seems reasonable. However, as Fischer mentioned, it would be complicated to match the financial requirements without including Rudy Gobert. Hence, while factoring in Minnesota’s preference to retain McDaniels and Reid, here is a potential trade proposal for the Hornets’ superstar:
Proposed Trade Details
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: LaMelo Ball
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Rudy Gobert, Terrence Shannon Jr., 2033 first-round pick
Financially, this trade would be quite feasible. To absorb LaMelo Ball’s incoming $40.7 million cap hit, the Wolves would be sending out Rudy Gobert’s $36.5 million contract, combined with Terrence Shannon Jr.’s $2.8 million team option. By throwing in a future first-round pick as part of the deal, the Wolves make the package much more appealing for Charlotte.
Why Do The Hornets Do This Deal?
Parting with LaMelo Ball may seem shocking at this juncture, especially in light of how impactful he has been with this unit. However, given the amount of trade rumors surrounding Ball last season, it doesn’t come as a surprise.
It seemed like a matter of time before Charlotte decided to part ways with the eccentric young guard. Despite his talent, complaints about his playing style suggested that trading him may be better in the long run, too.
With Ball on the way out, the Hornets would have the flexibility to build around a core of Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller. Although this is promising, adding a big man like Rudy Gobert to bolster their big man rotation could be even more worthwhile.
Currently, Charlotte’s center rotation features Ryan Kalkbrenner and Moussa Diabate. While both have shown remarkable potential, Gobert’s defensive upside could be exactly what the Hornets need to succeed.
Last season, the big man showcased why he was considered an elite center in the NBA. With averages of 10.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game, Gobert was immensely reliable as a defensive anchor and rebounder.
Along with Gobert, Charlotte would also acquire Terrence Shannon Jr. (5.6 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 40.8% 3P) to expand their backcourt depth. With LaMelo Ball out of the picture, the Hornets would be more likely to re-sign Coby White, essentially making him a starter. Thus, by adding Shannon, the Hornets could maintain stability in the backcourt.
Why Would The Wolves Do This Trade?
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been very vocal about their need for a point guard. While Anthony Edwards has been remarkable in the capacity of a combo guard, the team cannot succeed unless they free him up from being a playmaker. Thus, acquiring a player like LaMelo Ball seems ideal.
For all his flaws, Ball is a special talent. From his incredible scoring ability to his impressive court vision, the Hornets star has repeatedly showcased the ability to run an offense to perfection, albeit when focused.
Despite his inconsistent performances last season, Ball posted 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game while shooting 40.7% from the field and 36.8% from three-point range. Given how comfortable he is with taking over scoring and ball-handling duties on offense, he is positioned as a tremendous fit next to Anthony Edwards.
The Wolves have already addressed their point guard depth issues by re-signing Ayo Dosunmu to a five-year, $112 million deal. Still, given the need for a genuine star-caliber running mate for Edwards, acquiring LaMelo Ball could be quite promising.
An Alternative Path To Acquire LaMelo Ball Emerges
Although the aforementioned deal has merit for both teams, Minnesota’s hesitation to part with Rudy Gobert may prevent the deal from going through. This could rule out any possibility of acquiring LaMelo Ball, but recent reports hint at an alternative path.
According to The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski and Sam Amick, the Julius Randle-Nets trade isn’t expected to be finalized for several weeks. This is reportedly so that both the Wolves and the Nets can “maximize their dealmaking abilities.”
With a vague timeline in place, there is speculation that Minnesota could include the Hornets in this deal, essentially replacing Randle’s trade exception with Ball’s incoming cap hit to facilitate the trade.
In theory, this approach could work, but the finer details of this move may require further examination. With the trade requiring more assets to be moved to Charlotte to acquire Ball, Minnesota may find itself in a considerably less favorable position.
Update: The Timberwolves officially acquired LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets just a few minutes after publishing this piece.Â
