MINNEAPOLIS — The Timberwolves paid a king’s ransom for LaMelo Ball. Two proven power forwards, a pile of draft picks—including a 2033 unprotected first-rounder—and a few swaps later, here we are. But Tim Connelly isn’t sweating it. He sees the bigger picture.
“He’ll elevate us,” the Wolves’ president of basketball ops said, sounding like a man who just bet the farm. And why not? Ball is still only 24, a 6-foot-7 magician who can take the rock out of Anthony Edwards’ hands and let Ant do what he does best: hunt buckets.
The trade was a four-team monster: Brooklyn, Charlotte, Chicago all in. Minnesota got Ball and Josh Green. Say goodbye to Naz Reid (fan favorite, beloved) and Julius Randle (gone to the Nets). Oh, and a bunch of picks that made Connelly joke, “Well, we have none for the next 10 years. It’s all about quality, not quantity, right?” Classic.
Ball comes with baggage—he’s missed a ton of games, played in just 43% from 2022 to 2025. He can be reckless, both on the court and off. But when he’s on, he’s a show. And the Wolves need a little joy after a moody season that ended in the second round against San Antonio. Too many guys pouted after bad games. Connelly wants fun. “This is supposed to be fun,” he said. “He enjoys life. He enjoys playing.”
Coach Chris Finch is pumped about the backcourt size: “You’ve got to have a big backcourt.” Ball and Edwards? That’s a lot of length and talent. And hey, the Wolves are even making a pitch for LeBron James—yes, that LeBron. Minneapolis tourism put up digital billboards in L.A. to woo the King. Connelly is playing it cool: “Wherever LeBron ends up, he’s going to make that place much better. But I like who we are.”
Ball is ready. “I’ve known Ant for a minute,” he said. “Everybody’s excited.” So buckle up, Timberwolves fans. This ride might be wild, but it’s going to be fun. The Associated Press contributed to this report.