The Minnesota Timberwolves have officially welcomed guard LaMelo Ball to the team. Ball, who goes by Melo, arrived through a trade from the Charlotte Hornets completed on June 25, 2026.
In the deal, the Timberwolves received Ball and forward Josh Green. They sent center Naz Reid and a package of future draft picks to Charlotte. The trade also involved the Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls, with Julius Randle heading to the Nets as part of the larger arrangement.
This addition gives the Timberwolves a new backcourt pairing. Ball will play alongside Anthony Edwards, the team’s star guard. Edwards has led the Wolves in recent seasons, and adding Ball’s playmaking and shooting is meant to strengthen that group.
The Timberwolves shared a welcome post on social media with a photo of Ball. The message simply read “WELCOME TO MINNESOTA, MELO” along with the team’s wolf logo. Fans responded quickly with posts showing support for the new player in Minnesota colors.
Ball played his last season with the Hornets and put up solid numbers. He averaged 20.1 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game while making a high number of three-pointers. He remains under contract for the next three years.
The move is part of broader roster changes for the Timberwolves this offseason. They have adjusted their frontcourt and backcourt to prepare for the 2026-27 NBA season. Ball will now work with head coach Chris Finch and the rest of the coaching staff as he settles into his new role.
Minnesota has high expectations after recent playoff appearances. Bringing in Ball adds another skilled ball handler and scorer to support Edwards and the rest of the roster. The team will look to integrate him during training camp and preseason activities ahead of the regular season.