On Thursday morning, the Charlotte Hornets shocked the NBA world when they agreed to trade star point guard LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round draft pick and second-round picks in 2029, 2032 and 2033.
Charlotte will also receive first-round pick swaps for 2028, 2029, and 2030 as part of the deal.
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While trade rumors began swirling in the hour prior, Thursday’s move was still stunning to basketball fans around the world.
Ball was the engine of a Hornets offense that was the best in the league last season after Jan. 1. He spent six seasons in Charlotte and had become the franchise cornerstone.
Following one of the most exciting seasons in franchise history, they decided to move him for reasons largely unknown.
Online, many fans are confused as to why the Hornets traded him and why they accepted this specific trade offer, which some seem to believe isn’t enough return for a player of Ball’s caliber.
At the same time, basketball fans seem eager to watch the new backcourt duo in Ball and Anthony Edwards in Minnesota.
In fairness, the deal opened up the largest trade exemption in NBA history, giving the Hornets $40 million of extra space to work with.
This could mean Charlotte still has more moves to make, so Hornets fans may not have to suffer as much heartbreak as expected. But as it stands, Thursday’s move is one of the more through-provoking trades in a while.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
