After Surprise LaMelo Ball Trade, Check Out the Top Memes from Stunned NBA Fans Reacting on Social

Just one day after reports emerged about the Charlotte Hornets being open to trading LaMelo Ball, the team has moved on from its star point guard.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Hornets are sending Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves, along with Josh Green, in return 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).

Naturally, the trade left NBA fans stunned.

The trade sets up what should be one of the best backcourts in the NBA in Ball and Anthony Edwards. Ball had a solid season in which he averaged 20.1 points and 7.1 assists per game, while Edwards put up 28.8 points in what was his best season to date.

Both players are just 24 years old, so they're likely only entering their primes.

The Toronto Raptors reportedly were eyeing a trade for Ball as well, but Minnesota ultimately beat them to the 2022 All-Star.

The Timberwolves have been knocking on the door in recent years, reaching back-to-back Western Conference Finals in 2024 and 2025, but it was clear Minnesota needed to make a move to compete in a loaded conference.

Whether Ball will be the missing piece remains to be seen.

In Charlotte, the Hornets land a former Sixth Man of the Year winner in Reid, and he should complement the roster well alongside Rookie of the Year runner-up Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller.

Charlotte also landed a plethora of picks that will help it continue to build for the future after the Hornets put together their best season in a decade last year.