Timberwolves Acquired LaMelo Ball in Trade
Minnesota traded Naz Reid to Charlotte to secure LaMelo Ball and shift Anthony Edwards to shooting guard.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Basketball
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The Minnesota Timberwolves acquired LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets in a significant roster shakeup. The trade facilitates a position change for star Anthony Edwards as he transitions from point guard to shooting guard.
Why it matters
The coaching staff shifted Anthony Edwards to shooting guard to optimize his performance and reduce his physical strain. The move also addresses the teams need for improved chemistry following a season marked by internal moodiness.
Anthony Edwards is entering his 7th NBA season after playing 61 games last year. The Timberwolves have reached the playoffs for 3 consecutive years.
The players
LaMelo Ball
He is an NBA point guard previously with the Charlotte Hornets who was acquired by Minnesota.
Anthony Edwards
He is a professional basketball player entering his seventh NBA season who is moving to shooting guard.
Naz Reid
He is an NBA player who was traded by the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Charlotte Hornets.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The team is a professional basketball franchise based in Minneapolis that has reached the playoffs for three straight years.
The details
The Timberwolves organized a team trip to France last month to build chemistry among the new roster members. Team officials expect the tactical changes to help Edwards improve his overall physical fitness and focus on perimeter defense.
Timeline
Last season Anthony Edwards played 61 games.
The team traveled to France last month for a chemistry trip.
Media day was held in Minneapolis on September 28, 2026.
Training camp begins on Tuesday.
Season Trajectory
This roster move significantly reshapes the Timberwolves' rotation as they attempt to extend their three-year playoff streak. The acquisition of a primary playmaker in Ball signals a strategic pivot to maximize Edwards' output in a more specialized shooting role.
The transition of Anthony Edwards to shooting guard is expected to change his statistical profile by increasing his focus on perimeter defense. Fans should look for a new offensive dynamic as Ball takes over primary playmaking duties during the upcoming training camp.
The takeaway
The Timberwolves are betting that a change in team chemistry and position roles will solve issues from a moody previous season. Players and fans should anticipate a more structured approach to perimeter defense as the team integrates these new pieces.
Further reading
For more background on the team's roster moves, visit the Basketball section.
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Do you feel more optimistic about your local team after a major off-season roster change?
