If there is one star at the top of the Atlanta Hawks' dream target list, it's Anthony Edwards. Not just because he'd get to play for his hometown team, though that could certainly make a deal more possible, or that they've been accumulating assets, but because he'd fit perfectly with the direction the organization is going. How fun would it be to watch him and Jalen Johnson play together?
At the beginning of June, it seemed the Hawks had a chance to see their dream become reality, as ESPN's Brian Windhorst said the Timberwolves' future was in "question," specifically referring to Edwards' feelings about the roster.
Well, here we are, nearly three months later, and Windhorst said on the latest episode of the Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective podcast that, based on what he's heard, Edwards is satisfied with how the Timberwolves' offseason played out.
"From what I understand, Ant was very excited. Ant, from what I am told, is very pleased by the Wolves' offseason. Going to get LaMelo, making this deal happen for Kuminga."
Edwards played a large role in recruiting Kuminga to Minnesota. The forward agreed to sign a two-year, $12.4 million deal with the Timberwolves (a player option in the second season) over a three-year, $36 million deal from the Lakers. It's not often that a small-market team beats out Los Angeles, but that's exactly what happened in this case.
Edwards is reportedly 'pleased' with Timberwolves' offseason
Of course, Kuminga wasn't Minnesota's big offseason acquisition, as the Timberwolves traded for LaMelo Ball earlier in the offseason. If he can stay healthy, he can be the perfect backcourt mate for Edwards, assuming playmaking and shot creation duties.
You might be thinking that believing Ball and Kuminga were Minnesota's two big remaining pieces in its championship puzzle is far-fetched, and you know what? You may be right. But what matters is that Tim Connelly made something happen (as he's known for), quieting the Edwards trade rumors before they could even start.
Edwards hasn't said anything publicly about wanting to leave Minnesota, but if the Timberwolves failed to make it back to the conference finals (and past that) next season, or the season after that, he could start to think about taking his talents elsewhere.
What better place for him than Atlanta? The Hawks are on the right path, and though they could be reluctant to change things up, Edwards would be worth it (and then some).
For now, though, he seems to be content right where he is. Edwards hadn't said anything to make anyone think differently. Still, the Timberwolves' second-round playoff exit, along with a future that didn't look all that bright compared to the rest of the West, was enough to make people wonder whether he'd consider leaving, as he's signed through the 2028-29 season.
His situation is still certainly one worth keeping an eye on, but the Timberwolves did what they needed to this season to keep teams like the Hawks from circling.
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