Alright, let's talk about the kind of move that would shake the NBA to its core: Anthony Edwards in New York. We're not just talking about a dunk contest here; we're talking about a franchise-altering talent landing in the biggest market. The whispers around Edwards' future, however faint, always seem to circle back to the Big Apple. And honestly, it makes sense. The Knicks and Nets, both in need of that true, undisputed alpha, would be lining up for a player like Ant-Man.
Here's the thing: Minnesota isn't just giving away their guy. Edwards signed a five-year, $260 million extension last summer, kicking in for the 2024-25 season. That's a huge commitment, and it means any team trying to pry him away would need to offer a king's ransom in picks and young talent. Think about what the Jazz got for Donovan Mitchell from the Cavaliers – three unprotected first-round picks, two pick swaps, and three rotation players. Edwards is younger and arguably has a higher ceiling than Mitchell did at the time of that trade. The price tag for Edwards would be astronomical.
The Knicks' Edwards Obsession
The Knicks have been building carefully, stockpiling assets. They’ve got their own picks, plus a trove of picks from Dallas and Detroit, all protected to varying degrees. That's ammunition. You pair those picks with a rising star like Jalen Brunson and a defensive anchor in Julius Randle (who would likely need to be part of any major trade package for salary matching), and suddenly you're talking about a legitimate contender.
Tactically, Edwards on the Knicks would be a dream fit. Tom Thibodeau's system thrives on tough, two-way players. Edwards, at 6'4" with incredible athleticism, can guard multiple positions and would instantly become the primary perimeter creator. Imagine Brunson running the point, Edwards on the wing, and a healthy Mitchell Robinson patrolling the paint. That's a nasty lineup. Brunson could operate off-ball more, a role he's shown proficiency in, especially after Edwards draws double teams. The spacing would open up significantly for Randle or whoever is playing the four spot, assuming Randle is still in orange and blue.
One scout I spoke with, who’s seen Edwards up close for years, put it simply: "He's a closer. The Knicks have lacked that guy who can just go get you a bucket when the play breaks down, especially in the playoffs. Brunson's great, but Edwards is another level of pure scoring talent." This isn't a knock on Brunson; it's an acknowledgment of Edwards' unique ability to create his own shot against any defense. His 25.9 points per game this past season, along with 5.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists, show a player whose game is expanding beyond just explosive dunks.
The financial side for the Knicks would be tight. Edwards' max deal means they'd have to shed significant salary. Randle, earning around $28 million next season, would be the most obvious outgoing piece. Evan Fournier's expiring $19 million deal could also be bundled, though his trade value is minimal. They'd probably need to find a third team to help or send out multiple rotation players. It's a complex puzzle, but for a player of Edwards' caliber, you make it work.
Brooklyn's Desperate Bid
Then there are the Nets. They're in a trickier spot. After the James Harden, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving experiment imploded, they're left with a collection of solid, but not superstar, players. Mikal Bridges is a fantastic two-way wing, but he's not an alpha scorer. Cam Johnson, Nic Claxton – good players, but not the kind you build a true contender around. They lack their own draft picks for the foreseeable future, thanks to those previous blockbuster trades.
So, how do the Nets even get in the conversation for Edwards? They'd have to mortgage even more of their future, something they might be reluctant to do after past lessons. Bridges would be the centerpiece of any offer, and he's on a team-friendly deal at $23 million next season. But even Bridges, plus all their remaining future picks (which aren't many, and many are swaps), might not be enough to beat a Knicks package that includes multiple unprotected firsts. The Nets would also need to bring in a third team to provide the draft capital Minnesota would demand.
Tactically, Edwards would immediately be the focal point of the Nets' offense. He'd get all the shots he wants. But without a strong secondary creator like Brunson, or a dominant big man, the pressure on Edwards would be immense. He'd have to carry an enormous load, potentially leading to inefficient stretches as defenses key in on him. It feels like a more desperate swing for the Nets, a move born out of necessity rather than a perfect fit.
A Western Conference executive I spoke with laughed at the idea of the Nets having the assets. "They've been picked clean. Unless they want to give up Bridges and Claxton, plus every swap they've got, and then find a way to get three more firsts from someone else, it's a non-starter for Minnesota. The Knicks have the chips." That's a harsh reality for Brooklyn fans, but it's the truth of their current asset situation.
Minnesota's Dilemma
For the Timberwolves, trading Edwards would be a last resort. He's their cornerstone, their future. They'd only consider it if he explicitly demanded a trade, or if the team severely underperformed and they felt a complete rebuild was necessary. Given their strong regular season performance in 2023-24, where they finished third in the West, that seems unlikely right now.
But if a deal did happen, they'd want to recoup as much as possible. They'd be looking for a combination of high-value draft picks and young, cost-controlled talent that can either start immediately or develop into future stars. The Gobert trade, which cost them multiple first-round picks and a few players, put them in a bind with their draft capital. Getting some of that back would be crucial for their long-term health.
My hot take? If Edwards ever does leave Minnesota, it won't be to the Nets. They simply don't have the goods. The Knicks, however, are perfectly positioned. They've got the assets, the market, and the tactical need. It would be a monumental trade, one that would instantly elevate the Knicks to true contender status in the East. Ant-Man in MSG? That's box office gold.
Bold Prediction: If Anthony Edwards is ever traded, it will be to the New York Knicks, and it will involve at least four unprotected first-round picks and Julius Randle.