The Minnesota Timberwolves' LaMelo Ball trade was one of the most controversial moves of the offseason. As the Wolves are trying to make a championship leap, counting on Ball, who has never appeared in the playoffs, is a risk. Likewise, one of the main points of contention around this trade is that Ball can't contribute to winning basketball.
However, what can't be ignored is that LaMelo is coming off his most successful season as a pro with the Charlotte Hornets. No, not from a counting-stats standpoint, as his points per game (20.1) were tied for the second-lowest mark of his career. From a winning and mature basketball standpoint, though, this was undoubtedly Ball's best year as a pro.
Last season, Charlotte won 44 games, the most in Ball's career, and they had the league's best offensive rating after the turn of the calendar. Ball was the driving force of this success, posting some of the best on/off splits in the league while ironing out some of his heavily discussed weaknesses, including poor shot selection.
Averaging the lowest field goal attempts per game since his second year, Ball showed he was comfortable taking a backseat to Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel. Appearing in 72 games, this was also one of Ball's healthiest seasons.
As such, the Timberwolves are trading for Ball at an ideal time, since there's now some evidence he can be a big part of meaningful basketball and stay healthy.
Banking on LaMelo Ball to contribute to winning basketball feels more reasonable after last season
While his strong 2025-26 season drove up his value, it still wasn't an absurd price.
Had the Timberwolves traded for him at an earlier time, the risks would've been more significant, and detractors' points would be stronger. And with another season like this, he might not have been available.
I want to be clear: Ball still has some risks. One healthy season doesn't negate all of the injury concerns. Furthermore, he needs to continue sharpening up his shot selection and defense. Banking on a player who has never played in the playoffs (and might not be able to handle the physicality of the postseason) is also a clear risk.
Again, though, after last year, these concerns aren't as severe, and frankly, any big trade carries some risk. It's about finding the right amount of risk.
Ball is walking into an established culture with proof that he can be a central part of a winning team. After six years of missing the playoffs, you'd have to expect that Ball is eager to prove himself and contribute to winning basketball.
The Timberwolves desperately need Ball's skill set, particularly his playmaking. Last season, the Timberwolves put too much on Anthony Edwards' plate, and it ended up backfiring. This marked the second straight year (arguably third) when the Timberwolves' lack of creation and playmaking was loudly exposed in the playoffs. It was clear that changes were needed and another playmaker was essential.
LaMelo is undoubtedly an elite playmaker; his assist percentage ranked third in the league, and he routinely made his teammates better. Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert are two players who could see statistical leaps playing alongside LaMelo.
Not only will Ball's transcendent playmaking uplift the Timberwolves, but playing as a clear-cut No. 2 option alongside Ant is exactly what he needs. Thankfully, Ball is at a stage of his career where he understands this.
So while it's fair to have some doubts about Ball being the final piece for the Timberwolves, if there was ever a time when he could do this, it would be now.
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