Charlotte Hornets guard Brandon Miller admitted that losing teammate LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves during the offseason was a difficult blow to absorb. Ball was traded to Minnesota in a blockbuster deal that brought Naz Reid and multiple draft picks to Charlotte, leaving a significant leadership and production void in the Hornets’ backcourt.
Brandon Miller Discusses the Impact of LaMelo Ball’s Departure
According to comments made by Brandon Miller on the “Road Trippin’ Show,” the trade caught the team’s locker room off guard. Miller explained that watching a close friend and key contributor leave the franchise made for a tough summer, though he acknowledged the unpredictable nature of NBA roster movements. Despite the sting of the trade, Miller expressed confidence that Ball will succeed in Minnesota given the roster the Timberwolves are building.
During his tenure with Charlotte, Ball emerged as a dynamic offensive weapon. In the 2023-24 season, Ball played 74 games, averaging 17.3 points and 2.4 assists per game. His production jumped during the 2024-25 season, where he averaged 21.0 points and 3.6 assists across 27 appearances, followed by a 2025-26 campaign where he tallied 20.2 points and 3.3 assists in 65 games.
Evaluating Ball’s Leadership and Future with Minnesota
Beyond the box score, Miller pushed back against external media narratives that paint Ball as an undisciplined free spirit. According to Miller, Ball developed impressive leadership qualities during their time together in Charlotte, serving as a vital presence for younger players on the roster.
Moving to Minnesota places Ball into a different dynamic alongside established veterans and team leaders. Meanwhile, the Hornets’ front office is shifting its backcourt strategy, bringing in Coby White to take over primary point guard duties while relying on players like Miller to step into expanded leadership roles.
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