Hornets Post Tribute Video for LaMelo Ball After Making Trade Official

The news of a blockbuster trade sending LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves broke weeks ago. But on Friday, the league-altering deal was made official.

The Charlotte Hornets sent their homegrown superstar and Josh Green to Minnesota in exchange for Naz Reid and a collection of future draft picks and pick swaps.

Ball entered the league as the Hornets’ No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. He won Rookie of the Year in his debut season, and followed that up with his lone All-Star selection in 2021-22. Over the course of his time in Charlotte, the exciting young point guard averaged 20.8 points and 7.3 assists per game.

The Hornets posted a tribute video for Ball on Friday, recognizing his six-year career with the franchise.

“Thank you melo, for all you’ve done for the hornets & our community,” the team wrote on X.

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Ball now teams up with Anthony Edwards in Minnesota, creating one of the league’s most electrifying back-court duos. Both players have elite shot-making ability and confidence that could translate into some significant postseason success for the Timberwolves this coming season.

“Forever grateful for the melo era in charlotte. Thank you,” the Hornets added in a separate post.

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The Hornets just wrapped up their best season in years, narrowly missing the postseason after suffering a Play-In Tournament loss at the hands of the Orlando Magic.

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This story was originally published July 10, 2026 at 9:40 PM.