Hornets dump player right before LaMelo Ball trade to Timberwolves

The Charlotte Hornets made a roster move Thursday before completing their blockbuster trade involving franchise guard LaMelo Ball.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Charlotte waived forward Tosan Evbuomwan shortly before finalizing a deal that sent Ball and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Naz Reid, an unprotected 2033 first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps and three second-round picks.

Stein reported the move on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“The Hornets are waiving forward Tosan Evbuomwan, league sources say.

Evbuomwan has averaged 7.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 50 career NBA games and is coming off a G League Finals MVP performance this past season.”

The transaction created additional roster flexibility ahead of what became one of the most surprising trades of the NBA offseason.

Shortly afterward, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the blockbuster agreement.

“BREAKING: The Charlotte Hornets are trading star guard LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps (2028, 2029, 2030) and three second-round picks (2029, 2032, 2033), sources tell ESPN.”

Hornets usher in new era after LaMelo Ball trade to Timberwolves

The deal signals a dramatic shift in direction for Charlotte. Ball, the 2021 NBA Rookie of the Year and face of the franchise, departs after spending the first six seasons of his career with the Hornets. Despite recurring injury issues, the 24-year-old remained one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers and had been central to Charlotte’s rebuilding efforts.

In return, the Hornets acquire Reid, who has developed into one of the NBA’s premier frontcourt scorers and floor-spacing big men. The veteran center gives Charlotte an established interior presence while the extensive draft compensation provides the organization with significant long-term flexibility.

Evbuomwan, meanwhile, leaves after appearing in 50 NBA games across his career. The 24-year-old forward averaged 7.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists while earning recognition as the G League Finals MVP last season. Although his waiver drew attention initially, it quickly became overshadowed by the franchise-altering Ball trade.

Charlotte’s decision to part with Ball marks the beginning of a new era. By acquiring Reid and multiple future draft assets, the Hornets have positioned themselves with added financial and roster flexibility as they reshape the team’s core for the seasons ahead.

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