Once LeBron James let it be known he was leaving the Los Angeles Lakers, five teams emerged as contenders to sign the league’s all-time leading scorer.
Those teams include two of his former teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, plus the Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves’ inclusion was a surprise, but James could be the sidekick that Edwards needs to put the Timberwolves over the hump.
Anthony Edwards Explains Why He Has ‘Nothing to Say About’ LeBron James Rumors
Edwards was among the athletes at Fanatics Fest this week and was asked about the rumors linking James to the Timberwolves.
“I have nothing to say about it because I’ve seen his top three teams, we’re not in it so,” Edwards replied.
“I have nothing to say about it because I’ve seen his top 3 teams, we’re not in it so.”
— Anthony Edwards asked about Minnesota being on the short list of teams for LeBron. 🤣🤣
(h/t @SnapshotKyle)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 18, 2026
Edwards was referring to reports that James is down to a top three of the Cavaliers, Heat, and 76ers, which leaves the Warriors and Timberwolves seemingly out of the mix.
Returning to Miami or Cleveland always seems like the most likely option for James, with most expecting him to join James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen in Cleveland.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo’s arrival in Miami and Pat Riley still at the helm, no one would be surprised if James took his talents back to South Beach either, while James is reportedly ‘seriously considering’ the 76ers.
Despite the reports, nothing has been confirmed, so Edwards’ comment may simply reflect his decision to stay silent to respect James’ decision, although the more likely scenario is that Edwards believes the 41-year-old is signing elsewhere and is giving an honest answer.
The Timberwolves are trying to put a contender around Edwards, and although he is said to like Minnesota and isn’t looking to leave, we’ve heard that about stars before, only to see them eventually leave for what they believe are greener pastures.
The Wolves are trying to prevent that from happening with Edwards and have been busy this offseason.
The biggest move of the offseason was the blockbuster trade that sent forward Naz Reid to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for guards LaMelo Ball and Josh Green.
The Timberwolves also dealt Julius Randle and the No. 28 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft (which became forward Joshua Jefferson out of Iowa State) to the Brooklyn Nets as part of the four-team trade.
The Chicago Bulls received big man Nic Claxton, while the Hornets also received Mo Gueye, the rights to Matteo Spagnolo, and several future picks and swaps.
The Timberwolves are counting on Ball to be a true Robin to Edwards’ Batman, and whether he can fill that role remains to be seen.
James could fill that spot for the next year or two, but for Timberwolves fans, that still seems like a longshot at best.
