Anthony Edwards, the rising star of the Minnesota Timberwolves, has just signed a jaw-dropping five-year designated rookie extension, solidifying his place as the franchise’s cornerstone player. The agreement, which will pay Edwards the maximum salary, has sent shockwaves through the NBA and ignited excitement among fans and analysts alike.
The deal, brokered by agents Bill Duffy and Joe Branch, could potentially be worth an astounding $260 million. However, this figure is contingent on Edwards making an All-NBA team in 2024 and a 10% increase in the salary cap for the 2024/25 season. In the event that these conditions are not met, the extension will still be worth an impressive $217 million.
This straight five-year contract, with no player or team options, demonstrates the Timberwolves’ unwavering belief in Edwards’ potential and his ability to take the team to new heights. The young shooting guard has shown remarkable growth since being selected as the top overall pick in the 2020 draft. Each season, Edwards has increased his scoring average and efficiency, culminating in a stellar 2022/23 campaign where he averaged 24.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting at an impressive .459/.369/.756 clip. These exceptional performances earned him his first All-Star nod.
With Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert also on maximum-salary contracts, some questioned the Timberwolves’ ability to accommodate another massive deal. However, there was never any doubt that Edwards, the player the franchise envisions building around for years to come, would receive a well-deserved max contract. The young star will continue playing on his rookie scale contract for one more season, earning $13.5 million in 2023/24, before the lucrative extension kicks in.
While the financial flexibility of the Timberwolves may be affected by these three max deals, any future moves to address this issue are more likely to involve Towns or Gobert rather than Edwards. The organization sees Edwards as the linchpin of their plans, and his dedication and hard work have paid off in securing his future with the team.
Expressing his gratitude and excitement, Edwards stated, “I’m humbled, appreciative and excited to remain in Minnesota as part of this incredible Timberwolves organization. It’s amazing to see where hard work can take you.” These sentiments reflect the young player’s humble demeanor and his commitment to the team and its fans.
Beyond his on-court achievements, Edwards also unveiled a new initiative called “Don’t Follow The Wave.” Through this program, he aims to support underserved youth in the local community by dedicating his time, funds, and resources. Edwards, who experienced the loss of his mother and grandmother to cancer in 2015, will also contribute his support to the African American Breast Cancer Alliance, further demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact off the court.
As Anthony Edwards embarks on the next chapter of his career, fans can’t help but be enthralled by his immense talent, dedication, and philanthropic endeavors. The Timberwolves have secured a true gem, and with Edwards leading the way, the future looks brighter than ever for the franchise.