Wolves ink Ant-Man, a new era for Minnesota Timberwolves begins

While we all knew that this moment was coming, like many things in life, knowing it’s coming is not the same thing as it becoming a reality. And it very much is the reality now. What am I talking about? The Minnesota Timberwolves have inked All-Star shooting guard Anthony Edwards to his first NBA extension, a max deal that will keep him on the Timberwolves teams and make him a very rich young man for years to come.

But there is more to this contract than just money and a player. Much more in fact. You see, the 2022-23 NBA season was difficult for everyone in the Minnesota Timberwolves organization. Through it all, Edwards competed despite injuries, he did whatever he could to help the team, despite being tasked in ways that were clearly outside of his own comfort zone. But most of all, he stepped up and led this team to the 2023 NBA Playoffs, despite his age as the youngest starter on the team.

A new Timberwolves team is underway

Anthony Edwards is building a team. Not from dictating or bossing to other players.  Rather he talks about success through the eyes of his teammates.  It’s more than lip service. Just listen to how he defines a successful season:

He celebrates the success of his teammates. He feels joy when they feel joy. Isn’t that what being a team is all about?  We know that competition is keen, and can drive some athletes to extremes. But that does not seem to be the case with Edwards. Rather, he seems to have that instinctive sense that who he competes against, and who he does not:

When players are excited about their teammates, that’s a huge step in the right direction. Edwards was in his own negotiations over a new deal. But none of that is mentioned. He truly loves competing with his teammates, and they love competing with him.

I have a sense that it will be even more fun for everyone this season. After all, winning is always more fun than losing.