The Minnesota Timberwolves finally found a co-star for Anthony Edwards, acquiring LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets in a surprising blockbuster. Here were the details of the deal, first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania:
Minnesota Timberwolves receive: LaMelo Ball and Josh Green
Charlotte Hornets receive: Naz Reid, unprotected first-round pick (2033), three second-round picks (2029, 2032, 2033), and three first-round pick swaps (2028, 2029 and 2030)
Timberwolves general manager Tim Connelly is as aggressive as anyone in the league, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that Minnesota made this level splash. But according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk, the Portland Trail Blazers, along with the Toronto Raptors, were also pursuing Ball.
Blazers continue their search for a summer blockbuster trade
Rumors had previously linked Toronto to having interest in Ball, but it's surprising to see Portland's name in the mix. This is now the fifth star trade target Portland has had interest in: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaylen Brown, Anthony Davis, Trey Murphy III (at the trade deadline), and now the Wolves' newest point guard.
It signals a shift in Blazers general manager Joe Cronin's approach this summer, suggesting that Portland is looking to be a serious buyer. Though Portland hasn't come away with a traded star yet, they've been in the mix of the vast majority of these star-caliber trade candidates.
Neither Giannis nor LaMelo was the perfect fit for this team. Antetokounmpo's contract situation prevented Portland from going all-in, while there are a few red flags surrounding Ball's durability and whether he can be a star piece on a contender.
Cronin has tipped his hand that he's looking to make a splash, which makes sense as they look to build off a recent playoff appearance and keep up with a Western Conference that only continues to get stronger. He's not afraid to make a bold swing, as evidenced by the Deni Avdija and Jrue Holiday trades and Yang Hansen selection.
All of these were initially criticized moves but calculated bets by Cronin. The Blazers gave up just two first-round picks for Avdija, no future assets for Holiday, and even picked up an additional first-round pick to move back a few spots for Hansen.
Expect Portland to remain in pursuit of star power this summer, but ultimately, whether Cronin pulls the trigger should come down to the other team's asking price. They aren't going to make an all-in move for the sake of it, as they continue to explore the market to land a star who they view as being at a reasonable price. With Giannis and LaMelo, that clearly wasn't the case.
While fans are understandably eager to see their team make a move this offseason, Cronin's firm approach as a negotiator is largely why Portland's rebuild is in this good of shape, thanks to the trades he's won in the past.
In other words, let Cronin cook, and let's patiently wait to see what's being served for the right price.
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