US media grades the 2-for-8 trade: Timberwolves get Ball at a high cost, rated B; Hornets make a multi-win move, rated A-

On June 25th Beijing time, the Hornets and Timberwolves completed a blockbuster 2-for-8 trade. Charlotte sent LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to Minnesota in exchange for Naz Reid, an unprotected 2033 first-round pick, three first-round pick swap rights (2028, 2029, 2030), and three second-round picks (2029, 2032, 2033).

Charlotte's projected starting lineup for the new season is Coby White, Knueppel, Miller, Bridges, and Reid; Minnesota's projected starting lineup is Ball, Dosunmu, Edwards, McDaniels, and Gobert. Yahoo Sports graded the trade, giving the Timberwolves a B and the Hornets an A-.

Timberwolves trade grade: B

Ever since word got out that Ball could be traded, this move has been the Timberwolves' ultimate target. The team desperately needed a point guard to ease the ball-handling burden on Anthony Edwards and keep their star satisfied. But will this trade really work out? Honestly, I have my doubts.

Last season we saw Ball mature and fully realize his potential. Now joining a championship-contending team that desperately lacks a playmaking leader, can he maintain that level of performance? That is the bet Minnesota is making. If the Timberwolves want to stay competitive in the West, this move was necessary.

Overall, the direction is right. However, giving up a large number of draft assets and letting go of the highly popular Naz Reid—whether the price is too high remains to be seen.

Hornets trade grade: A-

At this moment, Coby White has not yet signed an extension, and trading away the core player at this point is puzzling. We'll assume the team can successfully retain White while rookie Christian Anderson develops into a capable guard, stabilizing the backcourt. Brandon Miller will also get more offensive touches, which is a major positive.

As for the acquisition of Reid, it's very promising. Diabate and Kalkbrenner can handle interior defense and rebounding, while Reid can exactly fill the interior scoring void.

The Hornets' front office never really planned to build long-term around Ball, so even after his impressive season last year, this trade is not surprising. But if Ball continues to steadily improve with the Timberwolves, Charlotte may eventually regret this move.