Word out of Minnesota has been quiet, almost too quiet, for weeks now. But if you're tuned into the league's front offices, Anthony Edwards' name is buzzing. Not because the Timberwolves want to move him, but because the Knicks and Nets, two New York heavyweights, are reportedly sniffing around like hungry wolves themselves. This isn't just idle chatter; there's a real belief among some agents that if the Wolves somehow stumble out of the playoffs early, or fail to make the deep run ownership expects, Edwards could become attainable. It's a long shot, sure, but a blockbuster shot nonetheless.
Here's the thing: Edwards is a generational talent. He's averaging 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists this season, and he's only 22. He's got that alpha dog mentality, the kind that can carry a franchise. Both the Knicks and Nets desperately need that kind of undisputed top-tier scoring and swagger.
Knicks' Big Swing for Ant-Man
For the Knicks, a move for Edwards would be nothing short of seismic. Imagine him alongside Jalen Brunson. You'd have two legitimate, high-level shot creators who thrive in pressure situations. Brunson's methodical brilliance and Edwards' explosive athleticism? That's a backcourt nightmare for opposing defenses. Tactically, Tom Thibodeau would have a field day. Edwards isn't just a scorer; he's a willing, if sometimes inconsistent, defender who can guard multiple positions. He'd instantly become the primary wing scorer and take immense pressure off Brunson, allowing him to operate even more efficiently.
But the financial aspect? That's where it gets tricky. Edwards signed a five-year, $205.9 million rookie max extension that kicks in next season. That's a massive commitment. For the Knicks, any trade for Edwards would almost certainly involve Julius Randle's expiring contract (owed $30.3 million next season) and multiple future first-round picks. You'd also likely have to include a young player like RJ Barrett or Quentin Grimes to make the salaries match and sweeten the pot. They've been hoarding picks for a reason, and this is exactly the kind of player you cash them in for. My hot take? They should absolutely go all-in. You don't get many chances at a player like Edwards.
A source close to the Knicks' front office, who wished to remain anonymous, told me, "Leon Rose is obsessed with getting a true superstar. Edwards fits the mold perfectly. He's young, he's American, and he's box office. They've got the assets, it's just a matter of whether Minnesota blinks."
Nets' Risky Rebuild Play
The Brooklyn Nets present an interesting, albeit more complex, scenario. They're currently rebuilding, holding their own with Mikal Bridges as their primary scorer, who's averaging 20.3 points this season. Adding Edwards would immediately elevate them into contention, but at what cost? The Nets don't have the same cache of their own first-round picks, thanks to the James Harden trade that sent multiple unprotected picks to Houston through 2027. They do, however, possess some intriguing young talent like Cam Thomas and Noah Clowney, plus a hoard of picks from other teams.
Financially, the Nets would likely need to move Bridges ($23.3 million next season) and potentially Spencer Dinwiddie ($20.3 million) or Dorian Finney-Smith ($13.9 million) to make a deal work. A package centered around Bridges, Thomas, and several first-round picks (some from Phoenix, some from Philadelphia) could be enticing for the Wolves. Tactically, Edwards would become the clear alpha. He'd unlock a new level of offensive firepower that the Nets haven't seen since the KD/Kyrie era. It's a huge gamble for a team that's just trying to find its identity.
A Western Conference scout I spoke with put it plainly: "If the Nets get Edwards, they're instantly relevant again. But they'd be sacrificing a lot of their depth and future flexibility. It's a move you make if you believe he's *the* guy, and you're ready to build everything around him, even with fewer draft picks in your pocket."
Comparing the Potential Blockbusters
Look, this isn't a completely unprecedented scenario. We've seen young stars force their way out or become available when their current team underperforms. Kevin Garnett was traded from Minnesota to Boston in 2007, a move that involved five players and two first-round picks. More recently, James Harden's move from Houston to Brooklyn in 2021 involved four players and three unprotected first-round picks, plus four pick swaps. The price for Edwards would be astronomical, likely in that Harden-level territory of multiple unprotected firsts and a couple of promising young players.
For the Timberwolves, losing Edwards would be devastating. He's the face of their franchise. But if they're forced into a corner, getting a haul of assets — established young talent, multiple future picks — could set them up for a quicker retool than a full rebuild. Imagine a scenario where they get Barrett, a couple of Knicks' picks, plus a player like Immanuel Quickley. Or from the Nets, Bridges and a few of those coveted Phoenix picks. It's not ideal, but it's a way to mitigate the damage.
Ultimately, this is about using. The Wolves hold it right now. But if the team falters, or if Edwards himself starts to get restless, that using shifts quickly. Both New York teams are watching, waiting, and preparing their war chests.
The Minnesota Angle
Minnesota's front office has invested heavily in this current core, particularly with the Rudy Gobert trade in 2022 that cost them multiple first-round picks. If they can't get past the first round or two in the playoffs, questions will inevitably arise about the ceiling of this group. Edwards is under contract for a long time, but player empowerment is a real thing. If he were to hint at dissatisfaction, or if the team struggles to build a consistent winner around him, the organization might feel pressured to explore options rather than risk losing him for less down the line.
A league executive, speaking on background, summed it up: "No one wants to trade their best player. But if the situation sours, and you're looking at years of underperformance with a huge payroll, you have to consider every option. Getting a package of five-plus assets for Edwards would be tough to turn down, even if it hurts."
Bold Prediction: While the Wolves will hold firm this summer, if they don't reach the Western Conference Finals next season, Anthony Edwards will request a trade by the 2025 deadline, and the Knicks will be the frontrunners to land him.