The Minnesota Timberwolves signed Anthony Edwards to a five-year rookie max extension this summer that could be worth $260 million. It was a no-brainer decision. The former number-one overall pick is already an All-Star and the top scorer on Team USA at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Edwards will be one of the top players in the world in his prime.
Former Timberwolves point guard Patrick Beverley riled up Minnesota fans when he discussed Edwards leaving for a larger market on Gil’s Arena. Beverley made it clear that he sees Edwards going elsewhere to build his brand and become a transformative superstar like Michael Jordan.
There will be no shortage of suitors if Ant-Man requests a trade. Every team in the league would love to have him, but who could convince Edwards to leave Minnesota? He can become a free agent in 2029 at 28 years old. Edward will be right in the middle of his prime and ready to contend for a championship.
Teams that could steal Anthony Edwards from the Minnesota Timberwolves in his prime
5. San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs would not have been on this list a few months ago, but things change fast in the NBA. San Antonio won the draft lottery and picked up a historic prospect with the number one overall pick. Victor Wembanyama has all-time great potential, and the Spurs are no strangers to winning championships.
San Antonio could be the best team in the league as Ant-Man enters his prime. He could jump at the chance to join the 7’3 big man and form the best duo in the NBA. Edwards’ athleticism coupled with Wemby’s unicorn skill set would make the Spurs nearly unbeatable.
Anthony Edwards is an improving superstar. He may have zero interest in joining someone else’s team, but playing for a historic franchise and lifting it to new heights could get him onboard.
4. Boston Celtics
The Celtics have been to the conference finals five times in the last seven years, but cannot get over the hump and win their 18th championship. Their last title came in 2008, and it is their only one since 1986. Boston shook things up this summer by trading Marcus Smart and acquiring Kristaps Porzingis, but was that enough to bring a title back to Beantown?
The Celtics are currently built around two star wings, but they have tried to trade Jaylen Brown in the past. Yes, the 27-year-old just signed a supermax extension, but Boston could split them up after a couple more failures.
The Celtics would have to seriously consider trading up to Anthony Edwards, especially if they were his desired destination. Ant-Man would take his career to another level by helping the iconic Boston Celtics win their 18th championship. It would be a legend-making move and something that improves his Hall of Fame and all-time great cases.
Anthony Edwards might have larger markets in mind. It is one thing to win a title in Boston, but Ant-Man is a box office star. If he decides to leave Minnesota, does the 6’4 wing chase history with an iconic franchise or star power in a place like Madison Square Garden?
3. New York Knicks
The Knicks have been searching for a superstar since the summer of 2022, but are struggling to find the perfect fit. They passed on Donovan Mitchell last year and have shown little interest in pushing for Damian Lillard, James Harden, or Pascal Siakam. The Knicks need someone that fits next to Jalen Brunson and makes them serious title contenders.
An elite wing with the potential of being a top-five player in the world is exactly what the Knicks want. Even better when he is an elite athlete and a transformative star. Ant-Man is one of the best interviews in the league to go along with his unbelievable skill set.
In his prime, Edwards will average 30 points per game with five rebounds and five assists. He could become a lockdown defender with an unstoppable offensive skill set. Ant-Man will take over playoff games and lift his team to new heights.
The New York Knicks have not had a true superstar since Carmelo Anthony. They escaped the first round of the playoffs for just the second time since 2000 last season. The Knicks desperately need a superstar to return them to their glory days, and Anthony Edwards would be a dream addition. Does he choose the bright lights of New York City over arguably the best-run team of the last decade?
2. Golden State Warriors
The Dubs are the current dynasty. They have won four of the last nine championships and are gearing up for another run. Kevin Durant is long gone, and their other three building blocks are all in their mid-30s. The Warriors roster is getting expensive and will desperately need a makeover in the next five years.
As Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green head into their declines, Ant-Man will be ascending. The Warriors are never afraid to spend and will be eager to add another superstar as the current group phases out of the league. Can Golden State convince Edwards to lead the next generation in the Bay Area?
Kevin Durant joined the roster and won his first championship with the Warriors. If Golden State can remake their supporting cast, a superstar may jump at the chance to keep the dynasty going. Anthony Edwards would be a rock star in the Bay Area if he joined the Warriors, and Stephen Curry proved the Dubs’ best player can be one of the biggest box office draws in the league.
Anthony Edwards will have multiple teams in California competing for his services. If he tries to maximize his brand, does he choose the current dynasty or the league’s most popular team?
1. Los Angeles Lakers
Edwards wants to be the face of the NBA, and there is no easier way to accomplish it than leading the league’s most iconic franchise to a championship. LeBron James ended up on the Lakers, and it only added to his legacy. Shaq, Wilt, and Kareem all came to LA to build their star power and legendary resumes.
The Lakers are threats to land any star free agent. They will have Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves to pitch as teammates for the foreseeable future, plus the weather, Hollywood, and their iconic brand. All of that, earns them the title of biggest threat to steal Anthony Edwards from Minnesota. There may be better roster situations in the league, but no larger brand exists.
The 6’4 guard will be a superstar in Minnesota, but can he become the biggest draw in the league? Being the star of Team USA certainly helped. If he can be the best player in the 2024 Olympics and lead them to the gold medal, it will be another boost, but he may have to leave Minnesota to become the face of the league.
Every team will line up to make a run for Ant-Man. Consider the Lakers the front-runners if Edwards leaves the Timberwolves, but it will be 100 percent up to him. Stay tuned to see how it all shakes out.
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