The Minnesota Timberwolves are set to formally introduce point guard LaMelo Ball and veteran Josh Green on July 14, 2026. Acquired from the Charlotte Hornets in a complex four-team trade, Ball joins a Timberwolves roster featuring Anthony Edwards, marking a reunion of the top players from the 2020 NBA Draft class.
The Trade Mechanics and Roster Shifts
The acquisition of LaMelo Ball and Josh Green marks a significant pivot for the Minnesota Timberwolves. The deal, which was finalized on July 10, 2026, required an expansion into a four-team transaction involving the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets. To secure the duo, Minnesota parted ways with forward Naz Reid, a 2033 first-round draft pick, three second-round selections, and three future first-round pick swaps.
As part of the broader restructuring, the Timberwolves also sent Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets. In return, Minnesota acquired the draft rights to guard Isaiah Evans, while sending the draft rights to forward Joshua Jefferson to the Nets. This transaction followed an earlier move where Randle was initially moved to Brooklyn to clear salary and gain financial flexibility, a process that saw Minnesota take a step back in the draft from No. 28 to No. 33.
The move addresses what many observers identified as a glaring weakness on the Minnesota roster: the absence of a true point guard capable of organizing the offense, taking pressure off Anthony Edwards, and punishing defenses for selling out to stop him. While the team had been linked to various superstars throughout the summer—including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, and Kyrie Irving—the front office led by Tim Connelly ultimately chose to prioritize Ball’s playmaking.
Reuniting the 2020 Draft Top Picks
For Ball, the move to Minnesota offers a transition from a Charlotte franchise that struggled throughout his tenure to a team with established championship aspirations. Ball played in 72 games for the Hornets last season, averaging 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.2 steals. He is joining a Timberwolves team that went 49-33 last season, with Edwards leading the way while ranking third in the NBA with 28.8 points per game.
Ball expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership during his introductory press conference on Tuesday. “I’ve known Ant for a minute,” Ball said. “We’ve been talking, everybody excited, we ready to get to work.” When asked if he had reached out to free agent LeBron James to pitch him on joining the team for his 24th NBA season, Ball was coy with his response, telling reporters with a laugh, Yeah, whatever you’re thinking.
For more on this story, see LaMelo Ball joins Timberwolves.
Chris Finch on Tactical Integration
Head coach Chris Finch has been vocal about how Ball’s specific skillset addresses the team’s offensive gaps. Finch views the addition as a way to unlock the potential of other key rotation players, specifically mentioning Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels. “He can unlock Rudy [Gobert] to another level at the rim,” Finch said. “We gotta find ways to generate more catch-and-shoot opportunities for Anthony because he’s elite at that. … He can help Jaden [McDaniels] take the next step.”
Finch also addressed the skepticism surrounding Ball’s tenure in Charlotte, suggesting the environment played a significant role in the point guard’s struggles. Finch stated, “I know he’s really excited to join a team that is poised to play a lot of meaningful basketball.” He further noted the performance gap between the two organizations, highlighting that the Timberwolves have won 78 more games since Ball and Edwards were drafted. “We love his energy. I love his style of play. I think the connectivity he has with his teammates… If you look at the numbers, there’s no denying that everybody’s productivity goes up when he’s on the floor,” Finch added.
Team Dynamics and Future Expectations
The addition of veteran Josh Green is also expected to bolster the team’s depth. Green, who accompanied Ball from Charlotte, praised the culture he is entering in Minnesota. “His energy is contagious, on the court, off the court,” Green said of Ball. “Being able to play fast, getting all of his teammates involved.”
While the front office and coaching staff have expressed optimism, the success of the trade hinges on how quickly the new backcourt can mesh within the existing system. With the formal introduction scheduled for today, July 14, the organization aims to set a tone for a season where internal expectations have shifted toward contending for a title.
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