Most NBA teams spend years looking for a player worth building around. The Minnesota Timberwolves already have one in Anthony Edwards. A new report suggests the organization is already planning for his next contract even though another season comes first. That may sound early, but it matches both Edwards’ career path and Minnesota’s long-term roster plans.
Anthony Edwards’ Next Season Could Change More Than His Next Contract
Minnesota Is Already Looking Ahead
Teams rarely wait until contract talks begin before making financial plans. According to Darren Wolfson of KSTP, the Timberwolves want Edwards to sign another major extension next summer after another strong season. The timing matters because Minnesota cannot offer that deal today under NBA contract rules.
Wolfson, on the Flagrant Howls podcast, explained the organization’s thinking during a recent appearance.
“The idea is to get Anthony Edwards a year from now to put pen to paper on another monster extension,” Wolfson said. “The idea is to elevate Ant’s game, get him back to All-NBA, and then he can maximize his earning potential. The Wolves want Anthony Edwards a year from now to sign that monster extension. LaMelo Ball, the thought is, is going to help elevate Anthony Edwards that much more.”
The report points toward a plan that has likely been in place for months rather than one created after this offseason. That approach also fits why this was viewed as the biggest summer in the Edwards era.
Anthony Edwards’ All-NBA Season Changes Numbers
The key point in the discussion is not the word “extension” itself. It is the reference to another All-NBA selection. Under the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, top players can qualify for larger extensions by meeting certain performance standards, including repeated All-NBA recognition. That is why Minnesota would prefer to see Edwards put together another elite season before discussing a new deal.
The strategy benefits both sides. If Edwards earns another All-NBA honor, he strengthens his position for the largest contract allowed under league rules if he meets the applicable eligibility requirements. Minnesota, meanwhile, keeps its franchise player without wondering whether he has reached his ceiling. Waiting one more season creates a better outcome than rushing into negotiations now.
LaMelo Ball Could Help More Than The Box Score
Adding LaMelo Ball was not only about finding another scorer. Minnesota wanted a guard who could organize the offense and create easier chances for everyone else. Throughout his career, Edwards has often carried the burden of creating difficult shots late in possessions, which has been one of his biggest problems entering this offseason. Ball should reduce that workload by pushing the pace and finding teammates before defenses can set up.
That change could affect awards as much as statistics. Cleaner scoring chances usually improve shooting efficiency, and efficient stars receive more attention during All-NBA voting. It could also help address Minnesota’s incomplete offense. If Ball helps Edwards produce the same numbers with greater efficiency, Minnesota’s investment becomes easier to justify before contract talks even begin.
The Front Office Planned For This
The Timberwolves’ recent moves also fit this timeline. Trading Julius Randle removed a large salary from the books while giving Minnesota more financial flexibility in the future. The front office has tried to keep the roster competitive without limiting future options around Edwards.
That does not mean another extension will be easy to absorb. A player earning top-tier money affects every decision a team makes, from free agency to trade deadlines. Minnesota appears willing to accept those challenges because elite players rarely become available, and replacing one is even harder than paying him.
The Market Keeps Moving Higher
The NBA’s biggest stars continue signing larger contracts as the salary cap grows. Players such as Jayson Tatum, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic have helped establish the financial standard for franchise players. If Edwards reaches another All-NBA level, his next contract would follow that trend instead of standing apart from it.
His production already supports that conversation. Last season, Edwards averaged 28.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 48.9 percent from the field and 39.9 percent from three. Those numbers place him among the league’s best offensive players before his 25th birthday, making another All-NBA season a realistic goal rather than an optimistic projection.
The Next Step Feels Predictable
Reports about another massive contract naturally attract attention because of the money involved. The more interesting story is that Minnesota is planning around the years after the deal, not simply the day it gets signed. Every major roster move now appears connected to keeping Edwards in position to compete for championships.
Nothing becomes official until next summer, and another All-NBA season still has to happen first. Even so, the direction is difficult to miss. If Edwards performs the way Minnesota expects and Ball strengthens the offense as planned, next summer’s extension may feel less like breaking news and more like the next step in a plan already taking shape.
Photo credit: Scott Wachter, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
