MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves were elated after finalizing Thursday’s trade that brought guard LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets, according to The Athletic. Team personnel reportedly celebrated the move, convinced the 6-foot-7 playmaker will ease the defensive pressure frequently placed on Anthony Edwards during the club’s recent playoff run.
Edwards has long admired Ball’s style, and Minnesota entered the offseason determined to add another creator after San Antonio’s double-teams stifled Edwards in the Western Conference semifinals. Club officials believe Ball’s size, vision and three-point range fit seamlessly alongside Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and center Rudy Gobert.
“He makes Ant better, Jaden better, Rudy and Joan Beringer better,” a team source told The Athletic. “How many other players in the league would make your three best players better without getting in their way?”
Despite earlier questions about Ball’s maturity, the Wolves are confident he will thrive in their culture. Minnesota also likes its long-term core: Gobert and newcomer Donte DiVincenzo are the only players older than 26, while Ball, Edwards and McDaniels are under contract for at least three more seasons. “Our roster is stacked for the next three years,” a source added. “And probably longer.”
Warriors
OAKLAND — Forward Jimmy Butler said his recovery from last season’s torn right ACL is “moving in the right direction.” Speaking at a Golden State Warriors event Thursday, the veteran estimated he is about six weeks from resuming running drills.
“I’m making some incredible progress,” Butler told reporters, via The Athletic’s Nick Friedell. He joked that he could still dunk off his left leg, though landing remains problematic.
Butler praised the Warriors’ organization and reiterated his desire to stay beyond his current deal. “It’s not good, it’s great,” he said. “Legitimately, it’s the best.” The 34-year-old becomes eligible for a contract extension in February.
Hawks
ATLANTA — The Atlanta Hawks and guard Buddy Hield have moved the guarantee date on his $9.66 million 2024-25 salary to June 28, according to TNT’s Chris Haynes and Locked On Hawks’ Brad Rowland. The adjustment gives Atlanta the weekend to decide whether to keep Hield, waive him or explore trade options.
Hield saw limited minutes after arriving from Golden State late last season. Since then, the Hawks have signed Aaron Wiggins and drafted Kingston Flemings with the No. 8 pick, but team officials believe Hield could still help as a veteran shooter or serve as an expiring contract in future deals.
The Hawks must finalize their decision before the new deadline or his full salary becomes guaranteed.
Source: Hoops Wire
