The Charlotte Hornets this week introduced their new players, Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson, Jr. The pair were selected with the team's No. 14 and No. 18 picks in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft. The team is also seeing a roster shakeup: star point guard LaMelo Ball and guard Josh Green may be going to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Here's everything we know:

About Steinbech + Anderson

The Hornets hosted a press conference to introduce Steinbach and Anderson to the media and season ticket holders.

Steinbach enters the NBA after averaging 18.5 points and a Division I-leading 11.8 rebounds per game while shooting 58% from the field in his lone season at the University of Washington. Anderson spent two seasons at Texas Tech and averaged 18.5 points on 47% shooting and a Big-12-leading 7.4 assists.

Fun fact: Steinbach and Anderson have played together on medal-winning youth German National Teams.

"I would say Christian is a very high-quality shooter. H makes it easier for every teammate to play with him," Steinbach said about Anderson.

"Hannes is very skilled at rebounding, and his ability to know where the ball is going to land makes him a strong player and an even better teammate," Anderson shared.

A basketball player looking down the court in a white and teal striped jersey. — LaMelo Ball has played six seasons with the Hornets after being selected third overall in the 2020 NBA Draft. | Photo by CLTtoday

Trade rumors

While the Hornets were introducing their newest additions, trade speculation surrounding the team's biggest star continues to swirl. According to multiple reports at WCNC Charlotte + ESPN, LaMelo Ball and guard Josh Green may be going to the Minnesota Timberwolves, in exchange for forward Naz Reid, a 2033 first-round draft pick, three first-round pick swaps, and three second-round picks.

President of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson declined to comment on the trade news. "There'll be a time that we'll address the rest of the roster after some transactions," Peterson said.

So, what's next?

The NBA free agency period opens soon, meaning additional roster moves could be on the horizon, ahead of the 2026-2027. Keep an eye on your inbox.