Charlotte Hornets president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson addressed their LaMelo Ball trade Saturday during a news conference at the Las Vegas summer league. The Hornets traded Ball and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of a four-team deal in June. Charlotte received Naz Reid, an unprotected 2033 first-round pick, three second-round picks and three first-round pick swaps.

"These decisions are challenging at times, but when you look at the totality of the season and everything of where we were, it's important to take an honest look in the mirror of where you guys are as a team," said Peterson. "And that's what I had to do at the end of the season. And it just felt like the goal is never to compete for a play-in spot. The goal isn't to get to the play-in or even the playoffs for one year.

"I've said it plenty of times since I've been here in Charlotte: The goal is to get to the playoffs and stay there for a long time. And eventually contend to compete for championships. Getting Naz Reid when you can get a player of his caliber. And of course, the draft capital and the flexibility just felt like it was something that was able to achieve multiple goals in one transaction."

The trade came together after last month's NBA draft and caught many by surprise given Charlotte's turnaround last season. The Hornets won 44 games after finishing with just 19 the previous year, posting the NBA's top-ranked offense and fifth-ranked defense from Jan. 1 onward.

Charlotte beat Miami in the play-in tournament before losing to the Orlando Magic, extending the Hornets' playoff drought to nine seasons, the longest active streak in the league.

Peterson explained why he chose not to simply run it back with Ball alongside Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel.

"It's my job to not just look at half of last season or two-thirds of last season," said Peterson. "I've been here for a little bit over two years now. So looking at the totality of the picture and also looking at trends along the league. LaMelo was tremendous in our run last year. He was extremely impactful and I know he's going to do great in Minnesota. But for the Charlotte Hornets, just felt like it was the right time to execute a trade of that magnitude."

Ball averaged 20.1 points, 7.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 36.8 percent from three-point range across 72 games last season. Injuries limited him to just 105 games combined from 2022-23 through 2024-25.

Peterson acknowledged the emotional toll of trading a fan favorite.

"I do empathize with the fans and I understand just where they're coming from," said Peterson. "I love LaMelo. He's a tremendous human being. Of course, he's an enormous talent. He and I have a great relationship. But I would hope that they understand that I have the best interest of the Hornets organization."

Peterson confirmed Hornets owners Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall were fully informed throughout the process and said the move was not motivated by finances. Ball had three years remaining on his contract and was eligible for a two-year, $119.2 million extension.

Charlotte has since signed Coby White to a three-year, $74 million deal to help fill the void at point guard.