Guards Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball were once considered NBA Draft rivals. They’ll now be teammates.
On Thursday, the Charlotte Hornets agreed to trade Ball and guard Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves for center Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three second-rounders (2029, 2032 and 2033) and three first-round pick swaps (2028, 2029 and 2030).
Edwards (pick No. 1 in 2020) and Ball (pick No. 3) will form a star-studded backcourt aiming to lead the Timberwolves to their first championship. Still, it will feel odd watching them team up after they sparked debates before the 2020 draft.
Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball were cast as rivals before 2020 NBA Draft
Ball and Edwards were both considered potential No. 1 picks in 2020. The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov rated Ball No. 1 and Edwards No. 2 on his final big board before the draft.