Charlotte Hornets president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson said trading LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves was the most difficult decision he has made with the franchise, but believes acquiring Naz Reid and additional draft assets gives Charlotte a better path toward sustained success.
Speaking during NBA Summer League on Saturday, July 11, Peterson addressed the blockbuster trade one day after it became official and thanked Ball and Josh Green for their contributions to the organization.
“Both those guys are amazing people,” Peterson said. “They were truly great in the time that I have been here since the time I arrived to Charlotte.”
Ball, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, spent his entire NBA career with the Hornets and averaged 20.1 points, 7.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds in 72 games during the 2025-26 season. He helped Charlotte reach the Play-In Tournament for the first time in several seasons as the Hornets finished 44-38.
Peterson acknowledged Ball’s impact but said the organization had to evaluate its long-term trajectory.
“Ultimately, I do feel a responsibility to the organization and to the fans across the world of the Hornets to do what’s best for the long term of the franchise,” Peterson said. “Again, wish LaMelo nothing but the best because he’s a great person, a great player, but ultimately we felt like receiving Naz Reid and of course the draft capital that we were able to receive is going to offer more flexibility for us moving forward.”
Reid became the centerpiece of the return for Charlotte after developing into one of the NBA’s most valuable reserves with the Timberwolves. Peterson highlighted Reid’s journey from an undrafted player out of LSU to a Sixth Man of the Year winner as a major reason the Hornets targeted him.
“He goes undrafted. And he works his way up and eventually wins Sixth Man of the Year,” Peterson said. “He’s a guy who lets the work speak for itself.”
The Hornets also received significant future assets in the deal, including three first-round pick swaps, additional first-round picks, second-round picks and a $40 million trade exception, which Peterson said provides flexibility for future roster construction.
“Yes, the picks and the swaps, those are great,” Peterson said. “But just again acquiring Naz and someone of that caliber is something that I’m really excited about.”
Peterson said the decision was not driven by Ball’s contract, despite the guard being on a maximum extension.
“It actually didn’t impact the decision to trade with LaMelo at all,” Peterson said. “Our ownership has made it abundantly clear that they’re going to spend whatever they need to spend to help turn this into the premier franchise.”
The Hornets entered the offseason after a 44-win season but decided their goal could not simply be reaching the Play-In Tournament. Peterson said the organization is focused on building a team capable of consistently competing in the postseason.
“The goal is never to compete for a Play-In spot,” Peterson said. “The goal is to get to the playoffs and stay there for a long time. And then eventually contend and compete for championships.”
Charlotte will now build around Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, Coby White and Reid. Miller averaged 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 2025-26, while Knueppel posted 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists during his rookie season.
Peterson said Miller and Knueppel gave the front office confidence in making such a major change.
“Brandon, I think everyone would agree he’s an enormous talent,” Peterson said. “And then of course Kon, historic rookie season. I’d argue he should have been Rookie of the Year.”
The Hornets also committed to White, re-signing the guard to a three-year, $74 million contract, while adding more young talent through the 2026 NBA Draft.
Peterson said the franchise is not looking for a quick improvement but a foundation that can remain competitive.
“Everything that we do is through the lens of years to come,” Peterson said. “Sustainability is the key word here.”
