NBA: Timberwolves add LaMelo Ball as LeBron eyes options

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball brings the ball upcourt against the Miami Heat during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

NEW YORK–With LeBron James still looking at options for a new NBA home, the Minnesota Timberwolves adjusted their roster on Friday, adding guards LaMelo Ball and Josh Green in a four-team trade.

The Timberwolves obtained the guards from Charlotte in exchange for forward Naz Reid, a 2033 first-round pick, three second-round picks and three future first-round pick swaps.

In a deal that also included the Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls, Minnesota landed the rights to NBA Draft guard selection Isaiah Evans from the Nets in exchange for forward Julius Randle and the draft rights to forward Joshua Jefferson.

The trade also saw the Bulls obtain center Nic Claxton from Brooklyn and send forward Mouhamadou Gueye to Charlotte.

Minnesota parts ways with Reid and Randle, who played major roles in the club’s recent playoff runs.

Reid helped spark the Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals in 2024 and 2025. Randle joined him in 2025 and helped them into the second round this year, where they lost to San Antonio.

The moves open salary cap space for the Timberwolves as they might hope to add 41-year-old forward James, a four-time NBA Most Valuable Player, to the lineup.

The four-time NBA champion has said he will return for a 24th season, but is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent after eight campaigns.

In Minnesota, James would play alongside a lineup that includes star guard Anthony Edwards with Ball likely in the backcourt as well, plus Jaden McDaniels and Frenchman Rudy Gobert providing solid defensive work and offensive support.

Several teams are considered top contenders for James, including Philadelphia and his former NBA clubs, Miami and hometown Cleveland.

Ball, 24, has played 303 career games over six seasons in Charlotte, averaging 20.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists.

With 20.1 points, 7.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds, Ball joined Luka Doncic, James Harden and Jamal Murray as the only NBA players to average 20 points, seven assists and three three-point baskets a game in the 2025-26 season.

Australian Green, 25, has played 349 games over six seasons with Dallas and Charlotte, averaging 6.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists in mainly a reserve role. He helped the Boomers win their first Olympic medal at Tokyo.