Hornets trade LaMelo Ball for Naz Reid and draft assets, cite long-term championship plan
Charlotte president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson said the deal was aimed at building sustained success, exchanging Ball and Josh Green for Naz Reid, multiple draft picks and pick swaps.
Charlotte Hornets president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson explained that the trade of LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to Minnesota was intended to position the franchise for long-term competitiveness. In a news conference at the Las Vegas summer league, Peterson said the move was part of a four-team transaction that also involved Brooklyn and Chicago and brought Naz Reid, an unprotected 2033 first-round pick, three second-round picks and three first-round pick swaps to Charlotte.
"These decisions are challenging at times, but when you look at the totality of the season and everything of where we were, it's important to take an honest look in the mirror of where you guys are as a team," Peterson said. "The goal is never to compete for a play-in spot. The goal isn't to get to the play-in or even the playoffs for one year. The goal is to get to the playoffs and stay there for a long time, and eventually contend for championships."
Peterson added that acquiring Reid, along with the draft capital and roster flexibility, allowed the Hornets to pursue multiple objectives in a single transaction. He acknowledged Ball's impact during the previous season, when Charlotte improved from 19 to 44 wins and posted the league’s top-ranked offense in the final stretch, but emphasized the need to evaluate the franchise’s overall trajectory.
"I love LaMelo. He's a tremendous human being and an enormous talent, but I have the best interest of the Hornets organization in mind," Peterson said, noting that the decision was not driven by financial considerations. Ball, who has three years remaining on his contract and is eligible for a two-year, $119.2 million extension, will join Minnesota.
The Hornets will now focus on developing their young core, including Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel, and have re-signed guard Coby White to a three-year, $74 million contract to help fill the point-guard vacancy. Miller, who underwent shoulder surgery in May, is expected to recover fully, and Peterson indicated the team intends to negotiate a long-term extension with him.
Peterson said the trade aligned with the expectations of owners Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall and resulted from ongoing dialogue throughout the season rather than a spur-of-the-moment decision.