Charlotte Hornets Projected Starting Lineup After LaMelo Ball Trade

Charlotte’s offseason picture shifted after the Hornets traded LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Naz Reid and a package of future picks. The move was first reported shortly after the NBA Draft ended, with Shams Charania confirming Charlotte was shopping its starting point guard roughly 12 hours before the trade became official. For the 2026-27 season, the article projects a new Charlotte starting five featuring Coby White at point guard, Kon Knueppel as shooting guard, Brandon Miller at small forward, Miles Bridges at power forward, and Naz Reid at center. It notes White had “resigned” with the team in free agency and was acquired in a deadline deal expected to continue under a new contract. The roster also includes several players who could start depending on matchups, alongside rookies Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson. The Hornets reportedly received Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps (2028, 2029, 2030) and three second-round picks (2029, 2032, 2033).