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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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During the second night of the NBA Draft, surprising news broke via ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania that the Charlotte Hornets are listening to trade offers for their star LaMelo Ball. Now, Ball has a new home in Minnesota.
According to Charania's report on Thursday morning, Charlotte sent Josh Green and Ball in exchange for the Timberwolves' Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps (2028, 2029, 2030), and three second-round picks, which will be in 2029, 2032, and 2033.
"Multiple teams are strongly pursuing LaMelo Ball right now," Charania originally reported. "This is an organization fielding some aggressive offers, so if the price is met, he could very well be on the move. This is a developing story. Potentially over the next 24 to 48 hours."
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According to the Stein Line's Jake Fischer, the Minnesota Timberwolves, Toronto Raptors, and Milwaukee Bucks emerged as suitors for a potential trade with the Hornets for Ball.
Of those teams, only two stood out as playoff contenders, and one was closer to the NBA Finals than the other. The Minnesota Timberwolves are actively changing up their roster to try to help out Anthony Edwards, who was on the verge of reaching the championship series twice in his career.
More news: Hornets Are Fielding Trade Offers for LaMelo Ball: Report
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A major issue for the Timberwolves has been finding someone to suitably fill the point guard slot as a playmaker on the roster alongside Edwards. The team relied on veteran Mike Conley for multiple seasons, but after a trade, slotted Ayo Dosunmu into the starting lineup in favor of Conley.
Seeing Ball on the same team with Edwards will be a treat as he's among the league's assist leaders and most exciting playmakers, and Edwards is among the NBA's top scorers and most dynamic dunkers.
Last season, Ball averaged 20.1 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game. The Hornets reached the NBA Play-In Tournament, where they defeated the Miami Heat, before falling to the Orlando Magic, who gained a playoff spot.
Minnesota has been active in big moves, trading Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets in a three-team deal several days ago that included the Chicago Bulls.
With the deal official, the Timberwolves have clearly shown they are doing all they can to help Anthony Edwards reach that next level. Whether LaMelo Ball is the answer remains to be seen, but they still have big man Rudy Gobert as part of a solid core lineup.
More news: Jay Williams Addresses ‘Awkward’ NBA Draft Interaction With ESPN Co-Star
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