The Minnesota Timberwolves are taking another major swing by pairing Anthony Edwards with a new co-star in LaMelo Ball.

Minnesota acquired Ball and Josh Green from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Naz Reid, an unprotected 2033 first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps in 2028, 2029, and 2030, and three second-round picks in 2029, 2032, and 2033. The move gives the Timberwolves one of the league’s most intriguing young backcourts while continuing a roster transformation that has already seen them move on from All-Star forwards Karl-Anthony Towns and now Julius Randle.

Edwards and Ball share some history after being selected first and third, respectively, in the 2020 NBA Draft. Ball won Rookie of the Year over Edwards in 2021, but their careers have moved at different speeds since then. Edwards has become a four-time All-Star and the face of the Timberwolves, while the oft-injured Ball has made just one All-Star appearance. Minnesota now hopes that putting them together will help both players–and their franchise–reach another level.

At the very least, the pairing should be entertaining. 

Edwards is an athletic and electrifying scorer, while Ball plays with a unique blend of flair and creativity. The Timberwolves have spent the past several seasons searching for the right combination around Edwards, and acquiring Ball represents their boldest attempt yet.

Minnesota has made it clear in recent years that it is not afraid to make difficult decisions. The Timberwolves traded Towns to the New York Knicks for Randle in October 2024, a deal that initially appeared fair after both teams reached their respective conference finals in 2025. That perception changed quickly after Towns helped lead the Knicks to an NBA championship this past June, while Randle’s defensive limitations and tendency to dominate the ball were magnified during Minnesota’s second-round loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

Randle’s production also declined in the postseason, as he averaged 16 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists on 39 percent shooting across 12 games. The Timberwolves officially moved on from him earlier this week, sending Randle and the No. 28 pick in the draft to the Brooklyn Nets in a three-team deal. Minnesota received the No. 33 pick and Mouhamadou Gueye, while the Chicago Bulls acquired Nic Claxton.

The deal allowed the Timberwolves to clear roughly $33 million in cap space and retain midseason acquisition Ayo Dosunmu on a five-year, $112 million contract.

Minnesota has come close to reaching the NBA Finals in recent years, advancing to the Western Conference finals in 2024 and 2025 before losing in the second round this past season. The Timberwolves have clearly decided that being close is no longer enough, even if their latest gamble carries significant risk.

Ball could provide the extra level they have been missing, but he could also struggle to fit alongside Edwards and turn the deal into another costly miscalculation. The 24-year-old guard has yet to make a playoff appearance through his first six NBA seasons, so there is certainly risk involved for Minnesota.

The Timberwolves also gave up a valuable player in Reid, a fan favorite and the 2024 NBA Sixth Man of the Year, along with a significant collection of future draft assets. There will be pressure on Ball to remain productive and help the Timberwolves win immediately.

The roster may not be in its final form yet, but its direction is becoming clear. Minnesota is building a fast-paced team around Edwards and Ball, trusting that its dynamic new backcourt can finally push the franchise into its first-ever NBA Finals appearance. The two should make the Timberwolves one of the league’s most exciting teams, but whether that excitement translates into a deeper postseason run will ultimately determine whether Minnesota’s latest big swing was worth the price.