LaMelo Ball Sends Strong Message About Teaming Up With Anthony Edwards
Following another disappointing playoff exit, the Minnesota Timberwolves decided to shake things up this offseason by acquiring former All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets.
It came with a big price tag in the four-team move that featured the Timberwolves, Hornets, Brooklyn Nets, and Chicago Bulls. Minnesota landed Ball along with guard Josh Green while moving Naz Reid as well as a 2033 unprotected first-round selection, first-round pick swaps in 2028, 2029, and 2030, and second-round selections in 2029, 2032, and 2033 to the Hornets.
Meanwhile, Julius Randle was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, necessitating the re-signing of Ayo Dosunmu.
The Timberwolves have essentially unloaded their entire draft capital for the foreseeable future, hoping that the pairing of Ball and star guard Anthony Edwards could be the duo that pushes the franchise into championship contention.
In his introductory press conference, Ball expressed his excitement to play alongside Edwards in Minnesota.
“I’ve known Ant for a minute, so we’ve been talking,” Ball said via ESPN. “Everybody’s excited, and we’re ready to get to work.”
This is more than a move to add another star, but more so to keep Edwards committed to the franchise for the long haul. He is in the third year of his five-year, $244.6 million deal that runs through the 2028-29 season.
Want $250 to bet on NBA futures?
The pairing of Ball and Edwards could give the Timberwolves the star backcourt they can build a championship contender around. Time will tell if the two can elevate Minnesota to heights it hasn’t experienced.
