LaMelo Ball traded to Minnesota Timberwolves; Hornets receive record $40.7M exemption

NBA star LaMelo Ball was dealt to the Minnesota Timberwolves this offseason, ending his six‑year stint with the Charlotte Hornets. The move also sees Ball vacating the luxury Charlotte apartment he bought from former NFL quarterback Cam Newton’s family business, a property that is currently the subject of a lawsuit over unpaid rent and HOA fees.

The Hornets retain a $40.7 million trade exemption tied to the Ball deal—the largest such exemption in league history. The team can use the exemption until next summer to acquire players, with potential targets mentioned including guard Shaedon Sharpe, forward Tyler Herro, wing Trey Murphy III, guard Kyrie Irving, defender Jalen Suggs, and forward Dejounte Murray.

The trade and the exemption give Charlotte flexibility for future roster moves while Ball prepares to join Minnesota.