Anthony Edwards, LeBron James, Minnesota Timberwolves
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
On Friday, LeBron James ended his three-week decision-making process, which had been holding the NBA hostage. Commissioner Adam Silver had publicly urged him to make a decision so the league could finalize its schedule, and James ultimately chose the Philadelphia 76ers.
It appears the Minnesota Timberwolves were right in the thick of things, but like every other suitor, they came up short. Now Tim Connelly needs to pivot to finish filling out Chris Finch’s roster.
You can imagine that Anthony Edwards would have preferred to play with LeBron. However, he’s fine going against him, too.
MN Timberwolves star gunning for LeBron James
I’ll give it to LeBron. Choosing Philadelphia means the long wait at least produced a genuine surprise. Had he returned to Cleveland or Miami, the three-week buildup would have felt even more unnecessary. Edwards was also clearly ready for him to make up his mind either way.
Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reported what Edwards told James prior to his decision.
And if you’re thinking Edwards is crestfallen by James’ decision, think again.
During one of several conversations he had with James, Edwards playfully told him if he didn’t make a decision soon, he would tear James’ head off, according to league sources briefed on the conversation. James laughed and asked Edwards what would happen if he chose another team.
Edwards didn’t hesitate, telling him that would be OK, because that just meant he could tear James’s head off on the court when their two teams met.
Jon Krawczynski – The Athletic
Anthony Edwards is an alpha. Even if James had chosen the Minnesota Timberwolves, it was always going to be Edwards’ team. At this point in his career, James is 41 and entering his 24th season. He would have been a perfect fit for Chris Finch’s roster, but he’s not the same player he was a decade ago.
James still averaged 33.2 minutes per game in 2025-26 and no doubt would’ve elevated the players around him. Instead, Edwards and the Wolves will get his chance to show James he chose the wrong team.
Expect Timberwolves to circle Philly
The only game on Minnesota’s 2026-27 schedule so far is an Oct. 10 preseason matchup against the Heat in Miami. As Silver mentioned, the wait had delayed the league’s ability to finalize the regular-season schedule.
Whenever the regular-season schedule is officially announced, you can bet Edwards and the Timberwolves will be licking their chops for their first shot at Philadelphia. James wanted to go somewhere he could compete for a championship. His presence would have improved Minnesota’s chances, but Philadelphia offered a loaded roster in the Eastern Conference.
LeBron James shared on social media why he chose to join the Philadelphia 76ers. pic.twitter.com/cziKIXH9eu
— ESPN (@espn) July 24, 2026
The Sixers didn’t emerge as a serious option until after trading for Jaylen Brown. Once that happened, the timing worked in Philadelphia’s favor, and Connelly lost out.
At least we should get some fireworks when Edwards gets his shot at Father Time during the regular season. If the Minnesota Timberwolves eventually knock off LeBron and the Sixers to win the franchise’s first title, that would be plenty fun, too.
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