The Charlotte Hornets are trading LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to ESPN. Rumors of Charlotte shopping their All-Star point guard first emerged during the second round of the NBA Draft on Wednesday, and a line of aggressive suitors reportedly emerged quickly. Ultimately, though, Minnesota won the bidding war for the following package:
- Timberwolves receive: LaMelo Ball, Josh Green
- Hornets receive: Naz Reid, 2033 first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps (2028, 2029, 2030), three second-round picks (2029, 2032, 2033).
The deal comes as one of the more stunning recent trades in NBA history. While Ball has been the subject of trade rumors in the past, he is coming off one of his best seasons in the NBA. The Hornets, after starting 4-14, emerged as the NBA's best offense after Jan. 1 last season. Charlotte came one game short of reaching the playoffs through the Play-In Tournament with a core of Ball, Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller. Now, the latter duo will move forward without Ball.
CBS Sports will update this breaking news story as it develops.
