On the heels of the Milwaukee Bucks trading forward Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat for a combination of draft capital and players, the NBA trading season officially began. As the draft begins tonight, the expectation remains that the trade window will remain open and other names could end up in new locations.
ESPN NBA Analyst Believes That The T’Wolves Could Trade Anthony Edwards
As franchises attempt to rebuild, retool, and change their culture, trading for superstars will help their playoff status. At the same time, teams that want to become playoff threats flip their rosters, shipping stars away in exchange for trade assets. Now, one of the most valuable trade chips could hit the open market.
After averaging a career-high 28.8 points per game last season, Edwards solidified himself as one of the best players in the NBA. The franchise finished 49-33, losing to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Semifinals. Now, according to ESPN NBA insider Tim MacMahon, the four-time All-Star could also leave the Twin Cities.
“The NBA vultures are swirling around Ant in anticipation of him potentially becoming the next superstar who’s available in the trade market,” stated McMahon. From the outside, it may appear as though the T’Wolves are clearing the metaphorical decks for a trade of some distinction. The team already traded Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets, taking his salary off their book.
Fellow insider Brian Windhorst provided context and background as to why an Edwards trade could occur.
“The NBA vultures are swirling around Ant in anticipation of him potentially becoming the next superstar who’s available in the trade market” – @BannedMacMahon
“Ant was really frustrated throughout — really just been frustrated since Towns got traded at how he gets… pic.twitter.com/FPdrBXJtmX
— NBA Base (@TheNBABase) June 23, 2026
“Ant was really frustrated throughout, really just been frustrated since Towns got traded at how he gets double-teamed.”
The comment refers to Minnesota sending center Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks for Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. Edwards watched Towns enjoy a playoff run that culminated in a championship. Randle, while a talented scorer, did not draw the same attention as Towns, which led to a clogged lane and defenses crashing down on Edwards.
Minnesota does not look like they are folding around Edwards. They signed guard Ayo Dosunmu to a five-year, $112 million contract extension. However, Dosunmu also plays shooting guard. It raises the question of whether the Timberwolves will try a small-ball approach. Or, do they envision Dosunmu as their future point guard, facilitating the offense while Edwards aims to get open or create his own shot?
From a basketball standpoint, Edwards may start questioning some of the team’s moves. Shipping off a three-time All-Star to essentially move up a few spots in the draft looks like a salary dump more than anything else. In 2023, Edwards signed a five-year, $244.6 million extension. Is Minnesota looking to land a free agent or trade for one to pair with Edwards? If not, could Edwards be on the trading block?
