Though there were some rumors shortly after the NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves trading for LaMelo Ball on Thursday morning was generally a surprise. Ball is a 24-year-old All-Star-level talent who fills Minnesota's biggest needs: playmaking and shot creation.
After the trade, Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic noted that the Wolves have had interest in Ball for two years, which further helps explain why they made this move. The Wolves clearly viewed Ball as an ideal fit alongside Anthony Edwards and it's easy to see why (more on that later).
Still, it was a fairly controversial move in part due to Ball's (unfair) reputation as a losing player and the fact that the Wolves traded all of their tradable future picks. I've already countered this argument since those picks are unlikely to return value to Charlotte and that Naz Reid was the only player Minnesota parted ways with.
Given LaMelo's overall talent and that the Wolves had long eyed him, it's easy to see why they pounced on this move for the price, especially given they previously expressed interest in Ball.
LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards are a perfect backcourt pairing
The Wolves have long needed a point guard alongside Ant-Man and Ball gives them just that while checking nearly every box you could hope for. He is a fantastic shooter, a difficult shot-maker and a dazzling playmaker with elite positional size at 6-foot-7. Frankly, it's easy to see why the Wolves have long coveted Ball.
His ability to score on or off the ball and his stellar playmaking will allow him to seamlessly complement Edwards offensively.
This past season, Edwards was overtaxed immensely as both a creator and playmaker. In the second-round, the San Antonio Spurs exposed this weakness by often double-teaming and trapping Edwards. One way or another, Minnesota needed to address this flaw in the offseason. Considering talent, fit and price, Ball was the best option.
Without a doubt, Ball's presence will make Edwards' life easier on offense in every possible way and the Wolves' long-standing interest in Ball confirms they have full confidence in this backcourt pairing.
Sure, Ball has certain concerns, including his shot-selection, decision-making and defense. Regardless, Ball is a fantastic upside swing who fills Minnesota's biggest need. And even if you aren't sold on LaMelo, can you really complain about this move for the price?
To me, the pros clearly outweigh the cons with the Timberwolves-LaMelo Ball trade and the franchise's long-time interest in him reflects an unwavering amount of confidence.
