"We’ve Traded Moodiness for Giddiness”: Timberwolves HC Makes Surprising Remarks on Trading for LaMelo Ball

The Minnesota Timberwolves seem to be a more exciting team this coming season due to the arrival of LaMelo Ball. Earlier in June, the Wolves traded Naz Reid, Julius Randle, and several draft picks to get Ball. It was a move nobody saw coming, especially since many argue that Ball is the reason why the Charlotte Hornets are relevant again.

While Charlotte's move may be questionable, it appears that Minnesota is enjoying having Ball around. In Monday's press conference, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch shared his thoughts on having LaMelo on the team.

"(LaMelo Ball) is always in a great mood," Finch said (in a video shared by Mike Vorkunov on X). "Always comes in smiling. He and Anthony have a shared quality: they're really hard to stay mad at. And they do some things that you want to get mad at. And they have a reflective joy."

"We referred to ourselves as a moody team in the last couple of years at times, and it's probably gotten in our way. We've traded moodiness for giddiness," Finch added.

Over six years with the Hornets, Ball has built a reputation as one of the league's most unserious players. It's not that he doesn't take the game seriously; rather, his antics on and off the court reflect a more laid-back, silly personality.

Fortunately for the Wolves, his demeanor matches well with Anthony Edwards, who also has similar traits to Ball. Prior to the preseason, we've seen several clips of the new duo bonding together, and their chemistry already looks good. They love messing with each other and laugh on most occasions. This type of rapport could be key to Minnesota's success this coming season.

LaMelo Ball's Former Teammate Breaks Silence on Wolves-Hornets Trade

For six years, LaMelo Ball arguably revived interest in the Charlotte Hornets. His brand of flashy and exciting basketball made NBA fans want to watch the team. Out of six seasons, three of those seasons were spent with another young rising talent, Brandon Miller.

Since his arrival in 2023, Miller has been an efficient duo for Ball, making the Hornets seem like they could finally make a playoff run. However, their time together was cut short in June when Charlotte shockingly traded LaMelo to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

It's been several months since the trade, and Miller finally broke his silence on what transpired then. Miller shared his thoughts on the trade and how it affects his relationship with Ball now that they're no longer teammates.

"Definitely a tough moment," Miller said on SiriusXM NBA Radio on Monday. "But, you know, we also have to realize the business side of the NBA. I always preach I'll always be a brother away from home to LaMelo... Always being a little brother away from home, always one phone call away... He's my actual brother. I believe in him, and believe in what he does every day, and I support his career."

Given how Ball's future in Minnesota looks bright, Miller might be thrilled to watch his former teammate duke it out in the Western Conference with Anthony Edwards. With the pairing of Ball and Edwards, the Wolves are suddenly one of the top contenders in the West this coming season.

It'll be interesting to see if they can live up to the hype.