Anthony Edwards’ enthusiasm over Minnesota’s offseason shows a franchise responding aggressively to the pressure surrounding its cornerstone star.
Anthony Edwards did not quietly watch the Minnesota Timberwolves reshape their roster this summer. He reportedly helped make it happen.
After Minnesota signed Jonathan Kuminga to a two-year, $12.4 million contract, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that Edwards played a major part in recruiting the athletic forward.
“From what I understand, Ant was very excited,” Windhorst said. “Ant, from what I am told, is very pleased with the Wolves’ offseason.”
That reaction tells the Timberwolves almost everything they need to know. Their franchise player believes the organization is moving in the right direction after adding Kuminga and acquiring LaMelo Ball.
That approval matters more than a typical offseason endorsement.
Minnesota Is Building Around Edwards’ Timeline
The last time Edwards appeared on an NBA court, the Timberwolves’ season was ending in painful fashion. Minnesota fell short of reaching the NBA Finals, leaving Edwards to confront another postseason disappointment.
The Timberwolves responded by making substantial changes rather than returning with essentially the same roster.
Mar 5, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guardAnthonyEdwards(5) drives past Charlotte Hornets guardLaMeloBall (1) during the second half at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn ImagesBall gives Minnesota the elite passer it previously lacked. His creativity should reduce Edwards’ burden as a ball-handler and allow the All-Star guard to attack defenses before they are fully established.
Kuminga adds another explosive athlete who can run with Edwards, finish above the rim and defend larger wings when engaged. He also fills Minnesota’s opening at power forward following the departures of Julius Randle and Naz Reid.
Neither addition comes without risk. Ball has an extensive injury history, while Kuminga has yet to establish himself as a consistent two-way contributor. Minnesota is betting that its structure and star power can bring out their best qualities.
Edwards’ enthusiasm suggests he supports that gamble.
Edwards Has Become Part of the Recruitment
Windhorst noted that Edwards has historically become excited about Minnesota’s additions, even referencing his enthusiasm when the team signed Shake Milton in 2023.
This situation is different.
Kuminga reportedly turned down a more lucrative three-year offer from the Los Angeles Lakers to sign a shorter contract with Minnesota. The Timberwolves needed to give him a compelling reason to sacrifice that security, and direct recruitment from Edwards helped accomplish it.
That represents another step in Edwards’ development as the face of the organization. Superstars are not only expected to perform. They help establish the culture, recruit talent and communicate whether management is doing enough to compete.
Minnesota appears to have heard Edwards clearly.
The Timberwolves have assembled a starting group featuring Ball, Edwards, Kuminga, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert. The spacing and injury concerns are real, but so is the lineup’s athletic ceiling.
There will be pressure on Chris Finch to make the pieces work. There will also be pressure on Kuminga to validate Minnesota’s confidence in him.
For now, the most important development is that Edwards feels supported. The Timberwolves made aggressive moves, included their star in the process and gave him legitimate reasons to believe the team can take another step.
