The Charlotte Hornets enter the 2026-27 preseason having made the most consequential move of their offseason, trading All-Star guard LaMelo Ball. This seismic shift follows a breakthrough 44-38 campaign that ended with a Play-In Tournament win and a playoff berth.
The Hornets sent Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves on June 25, 2026, for center Naz Reid, a first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps, and three second-round selections. Ball was the face of the franchise, averaging 18.5 points per game last season and forming a dynamic trio with Brandon Miller and rookie Kon Knueppel. His game-winning layup against Miami in the Play-In was iconic.
But the front office decided his flaws were too significant to build a contender around. Ball played just 105 games from 2022-23 to 2024-25, missing huge chunks of time with injuries. His defensive effort was often poor, and his isolation-heavy style sometimes stalled the offense. Trading him was a painful but calculated gamble on future flexibility.
The centerpiece of the return is Naz Reid, the 2023-24 Sixth Man of the Year. Over the last two seasons, Reid averaged 13.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and a block per game. He also shot about 37% from three-point range on nearly six attempts per game. He provides a floor-spacing, defensive presence the Hornets desperately needed in the frontcourt.
Reid's skill set should mesh well with the existing core. Brandon Miller emerged as a star last season, and Kon Knueppel had a stellar rookie year, shooting almost 43% from deep. Miles Bridges remains a scoring threat, and Coby White is a sparkplug off the bench. Reid's arrival allows Moussa Diabate to focus on his defensive rebounding strengths.
Charlotte's 2025-26 season was a surprise success. After a 4-14 start, they caught fire to finish 44-38 and ninth in the East. They led the NBA in threes made per game at 16.4 and were third in three-point percentage. That hot shooting powered them through the Play-In, where they beat Miami before falling to Orlando.
You can review the full schedule on our schedule page.
Expectations are now recalibrated. The Hornets lost their primary creator and must rework their offense. The pressure increases on Brandon Miller to become the number one option, and Kon Knueppel will be asked to handle more playmaking duties. The haul of draft picks gives General Manager Mitch Kupchak immense flexibility for future trades or rebuilds.
The goal remains the playoffs, but the path is harder without Ball's nightly brilliance. The development of young players and Reid's integration will define the preseason. Coach Steve Clifford must find a new identity for a team that just had its best season in a decade. Fans are hopeful but understand this is a new chapter, not a continuation of last year's story.
