The Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors have emerged as two of the teams showing the strongest trade interest in LaMelo Ball as the Charlotte Hornets evaluate the market for their franchise guard.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported Wednesday that the Timberwolves and Raptors are among the teams pursuing Ball, citing league sources. Jake Fischer added that Ball had been looking forward to building on Charlotte’s progress from the 2025-26 season, but confirmed that the Hornets are engaging in trade discussions involving their 24-year-old point guard.
According to Fischer, the Milwaukee Bucks are also among the teams interested. The Eastern Conference side has just traded Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat.
The situation developed as teams moved from the 2026 NBA Draft into the next phase of offseason roster building. ESPN insider Shams Charania reported that Ball has become one of the most prominent names circulating in trade conversations, with multiple teams making aggressive pushes while Charlotte considers potential offers.
Ball’s relationship with the Hornets remains positive, and the guard reportedly prefers to stay in Charlotte. However, the franchise is willing to listen if a package reaches its valuation for one of the league’s most productive young guards.
The timing comes after Ball delivered one of his best seasons as an NBA player. He appeared in 72 games during the 2025-26 campaign, his highest total since entering the league, averaging 20.1 points, 7.1 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 28.0 minutes per game. Ball also shot 36.8% from three-point range while connecting on 3.8 attempts from deep per game.
Charlotte finished 44-38 and earned the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference, marking a major improvement after several rebuilding seasons. Ball helped lead an offense that also featured Brandon Miller and rookie Kon Knueppel.
Miller averaged 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 65 games, while Knueppel became one of the league’s most efficient young wings with 18.5 points per game on 47.5% shooting from the field and 42.5% from three-point range. Miles Bridges added 17.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.
The Hornets also continued building around their young core during the draft, selecting Hannes Steinbach at No. 14 and Christian Anderson Jr. at No. 18.
For Minnesota, adding Ball would create another high-level creator alongside Anthony Edwards as the Timberwolves attempt to stay in championship contention. Minnesota finished 49-33, reached the Western Conference semifinals and has remained aggressive in improving its roster around its young star.
Toronto presents another intriguing fit after finishing 46-36 and returning to the playoffs. The Raptors lost in seven games to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round but have a young core that could benefit from adding an elite pick-and-roll guard and shot creator.
Ball is entering the third season of a five-year, $203 million extension, giving any acquiring team significant long-term control. His age, production and contract status make him one of the biggest potential names available this offseason.
