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SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 24: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets stands on the court during their game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on February 24, 2025 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Timberwolves may finally have their point guard of the future. The franchise acquired LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday, marking the second-biggest blockbuster trade in the NBA this month.
Ball, an ascending 24-year-old superstar, spent the first six seasons of his career with the Hornets, an upstart franchise that had improved steadily over the last few seasons led by Ball.
The former lottery pick now joins Anthony Edwards in Minnesota, creating arguably the most dynamic young backcourt tandem in the NBA.
What Could the Timberwolves’ New-Look Lineup Look Like?
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 12: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 12, 2026 in New York City.
With Minnesota losing a starting-caliber star in the trade, here’s what its potential starting lineup could be next season, according to Underdog NBA.
- (G) LaMelo Ball
- (G) Anthony Edwards
- (G/F) Ayo Dosunmu
- (F) Jaden McDaniels
- (C) Rudy Gobert
In the trade, the Wolves sent Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps (2028, 2029, 2030) and three second-round picks (2029, 2032, 2033) to the Hornets in exchange for Ball and Josh Green.
The Wolves are primed for elite point guard play next season. They have not had a player of Ball’s caliber as the lead playmaker in any of Edwards’ six seasons in the NBA.
Last season, Ball’s production dipped from each of the previous three seasons, though Ball appeared in a combined 105 games over that time.
What is encouraging for Minnesota is that Ball played 72 games last season, the most since his second season in the league. Ball averaged 20.1, 4.8 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game while shooting 40% from the field and 36.8% from the 3-point line.
Those numbers are infinitely better than any player has produced for Minnesota at the point guard positions in several years.
Adel Ahmad Adel is a writer with over five years of experience covering the NBA. His work has appeared on various media platforms, both national and local. More about Adel Ahmad