LaMelo Ball apparently didn’t see this one coming.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the former Hornets star entered the offseason expecting to remain in Charlotte before learning he was headed to the Timberwolves in Wednesday’s blockbuster trade.
“I kind of got the impression that LaMelo didn’t see this coming,” Windhorst said during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.
The Hornets reportedly never shopped Ball around the league. Instead, they listened to offers before ultimately accepting Minnesota’s package, which consisted of Naz Reid, a 2033 first-round pick, three future pick swaps and three second-round selections.
Despite the surprise, Ball isn’t expected to need much time adjusting to his new situation.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the former All-Star is excited about joining Anthony Edwards in Minnesota, where the Timberwolves are looking to take another run at a championship.
“My understanding is LaMelo Ball is very excited to go play with Anthony Edwards to try to win championships,” Charania said. “He knows the task at hand. Those two guys, from my understanding, are friends. They’ve had communication in the recent past.”
Ball is coming off one of the healthiest and most productive seasons of his career, helping lead Charlotte to a 44-win campaign and a spot in the Play-In Tournament.
Now he’ll join forces with Edwards on a revamped Timberwolves roster that immediately becomes one of the NBA’s most intriguing teams entering next season.
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