The Minnesota Timberwolves are very much underdogs in the LeBron James sweepstakes this summer, but they continue to force themselves into the conversation. With a competitive roster and improving reputation, the Wolves have never been so attractive for NBA stars before, but it remains to be seen if they are good enough to lure LeBron.
With James looking for a win-now situation, Minnesota makes an ideal basketball fit (at least, on paper), but the lack of follow-up from Anthony Edwards has put them behind in the race. According to the latest intel, Edwards is one of the few stars who has not contacted LeBron yet, despite such a conversation being enough to improve their odds at landing the four-time champion.
“Anthony Edwards has not reached out to LeBron about the notion of ‘The King’ joining Minnesota via free agency,” reported Brandon Robinson. “If Edwards were to make that call, Minnesota would instantly rocket to the center of the conversation.”
Edwards, 24, is the face of Timberwolves basketball and any roster changes must be made with him in mind. In just six years in the league, he’s become one of the best young players in the game with averages of 24.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game on 45.3% shooting from the field and 39.9% shooting from three.
He’s led the Timberwolves back to prosperity in the West, turning them into contenders and giving them a chance at LeBron. But unless Edwards make it clear that he wants the King on his team, it’s unlikley to happen. Fortunately, he has an opportunity to chat with LeBron himself at Fanatics Fest tomorrow, where he could make a pitch (matching the ones made previously) to strengthen Minnesota’s case.
“I’m told that if Edwards is serious about recruiting LeBron, he will make an appearance [in NY] at Fanatics Fest tomorrow…a physical arrival by Ant-Man on Friday would send shockwaves through the convention center—and the league,” Robinson wrote.
There’s no doubt that Anthony Edwards is one of the most electric young stars in the game right now, and he brings a certain level of passon and pure skill that ensures Minnesota will be relevant for years to come. Even so, he has yet to make a Finals run, and it seems the Timberwolves still need one final piece to get over the hump. LeBron could be that piece, but there are lingering doubts that he would really choose Edwards over a reunion with the Heat or Cavaliers.
Currently, there are three teams in the lead for LeBron, and none of them are the Timberwolves. In all likelihood, LeBron will end up with one of those teams in the end, unless Edwards can change his mind. More than anything, he wants to find a place where he can win and play meaningful basketball to finish his career. At the very leasy, with Minesota’s stacked roster (that also includes LaMelo Ball and Rudy Gobert), LeBron could do that in an environment he’s never experienced before.
Ultimately, with LeBron’s decision expected soon, tomorrow’s event will likely be the last chance for the Timberwolves to sway his decision. It’s unclear if Edwards will bother to make his case of even show up in person to speak with James, but that’s likely what it would take to bring him to Minnesota.