The Minnesota Timberwolves are on their third iteration of an Anthony Edwards-led team. They are trying to help him win an NBA Championship, and now, LaMelo Ball is a big part of that. Actually, it’s more than that. It may just be the Wolves' last chance at building a team around Edwards. At least, for a while.Â
Minnesota sent out a ton of draft picks to the Charlotte Hornets in the deal for Ball. Even though a lot of them had stipulations, the trade did make it much more difficult for the Wolves to make deals to build around Edwards moving forward. So, not only may this be the Timberwolves’ last chance to build a championship team around Edwards, but by proxy, it could also be Edwards’ last chance to win in Minnesota.
The Timberwolves want it to work. Clearly, they believe it can work out. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have made the trade. But nobody should want the deal to work more than Edwards. Because he wants to win. And this is his best shot.
Anthony Edwards needs the LaMelo Ball trade to be a success
Ball and the Hornets were one of the most exciting teams in the league last season. Down the stretch of the season, they were on fire, and Ball was essential to their success.
But Charlotte decided it was time to sell high on Ball, and the Timberwolves decided to take a chance. He’s not the Timberwolves’ star point guard, creating an elite backcourt with Edwards.
Minnesota emptied the draft cabinet. When you look at which picks could actually convey, the haul wasn’t too crazy, but it does put a stranglehold on the Wolves’ flexibility on the trade market moving forward.
That’s why things could get sticky if the Ball-Edwards pairing doesn’t work out. If they aren’t able to win in the postseason, especially competing against teams like the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder.
If Ball can help the Timberwolves’ offense – and Edwards, in particular – improve on the offensive end and get organized, then maybe this really is the team that can get over the hump.
That’s what Edwards and the Timberwolves are hoping for. Nobody is hoping for it more than Edwards. It’s his best shot at winning a championship. Ball is.
And if it doesn’t work out, it may never work out in Minnesota.
The Karl-Anthony Towns team is gone. The Julius Randle team is gone. Now, it’s time for Ball. Edwards’ new chance at a title.
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