Original Publish Date/Outlet: June 25, 2026 | Minnesota Star Tribune
The Timberwolves have a new point guard.
The Wolves acquired 6-7 guard LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday in exchange for forward Naz Reid, an unprotected first-round pick in 2033, three first-round pick swaps and three second-round picks. They also received guard Josh Green in the deal.
Here are five things to know about Ball as he prepares to join the Wolves:
1. LaMelo Ball is used to fanfare
Ball, 24, has been in the spotlight since he was a teenager. Even casual basketball fans became familiar with the youngest of the three Ball brothers from the family’s reality show, “Ball in the Family,” which aired from 2017 to 2020.
His father, LaVar, played an integral role in LaMelo’s development and career, along with that of his brothers Lonzo and LiAngelo. Lonzo Ball was selected No. 2 overall in the 2017 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.
LaVar’s polarizing personality, combined with his determination to build alternative, revenue-generating avenues to commercialize his sons’ success, led to an unconventional path to the NBA.
A native of Anaheim, Calif., LaMelo Ball played at Chino Hills High School and in a professional league in Lithuania at age 16. He then chose to go overseas again to Australia to compete in the National Basketball League before declaring for the NBA draft in 2020.
2. The Timberwolves could have picked him in the 2020 NBA draft
The Wolves had the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft, and they could’ve gone with Ball. They chose Anthony Edwards instead.
Ball went No. 3 to the Hornets, after James Wiseman went No. 2 to the Golden State Warriors.
Ball raised his draft stock tremendously during his stint in Australia with the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL. Scouts lauded Melo as a great passer but had concerns about his defense.
The Timberwolves saw Edwards as a positional fit, touting his physical tools and two-way capabilities.
There are now four 2020 first-round picks on the Wolves roster, with Edwards, Ball, Green (No. 18) and Jaden McDaniels (No. 28).
3. Injury issues have plagued him
Ball suffered a fractured right wrist in March 2021, which caused him to miss 20 games. He still was named Rookie of the Year over Edwards, earning 84 first-place votes despite only playing 51 games.
Ball missed 46 games during the 2022-23 season. He hurt his left ankle initially, then injured his right ankle on Feb. 27 and missed the rest of the season.
Ankle injuries limited Ball to 22 games in 2023-24, then his 2024-25 season was cut short after 47 games so he could undergo surgery on his right wrist and ankle.
4. His production is undeniable
Even though Ball’s availability has been lacking throughout his career, he’s an asset on the court.
His passing skills were as advertised. He is averaging 7.3 assists per game in his career. His 7.1 assists per game last season ranked ninth in the NBA.
He is averaging 20.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game in his career while shooting 36.8% percent from three-point range.
5. He’s coming off a promising season
Ball missed some time with a right ankle impingement last season, but overall his health took a step in the right direction. His 72 appearances were his most since the 2021-22 season.
As a result, the Hornets finished 44-38 before falling to the Orlando Magic in the play-in tournament. That was Charlotte’s best record in Ball’s six seasons there.
Chris Hine of the Minnesota Star Tribune contributed to this story.