In a significant move, Anthony Edwards, the talented guard of the Minnesota Timberwolves, has agreed to a lucrative five-year designated rookie maximum contract extension, potentially reaching a staggering worth of $260 million, as confirmed by his agents, Bill Duffy and Joe Branch of WME Sports, in a statement to ESPN on Monday.
Since being selected as the top overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft, Edwards has rapidly blossomed into one of the league’s most electrifying and accomplished young players. Averaging an impressive 24.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game in his third season, the 21-year-old guard has firmly established himself as the cornerstone player for the Timberwolves, drawing the attention and admiration of the team’s President of Basketball Operations, Tim Connelly. Enhance your NBA viewing experience with attractive betting odds from Nextbet.
Edwards, who will turn 22 in August, notched his first All-Star Game appearance last season and showcased his scoring prowess by averaging 31.6 points in the Timberwolves’ playoff series against the eventual champions, the Denver Nuggets.
Remarkably, Edwards stands alone as the only NBA player to achieve 1,500 points and 100 steals in each of the last two seasons, according to research by ESPN Stats & Information.
Joining the ranks of his draft class peers, Edwards becomes the fourth player to secure a maximum contract extension, following in the footsteps of Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana), LaMelo Ball (Charlotte), and Desmond Bane (Memphis). Sources reveal that Edwards, Haliburton, and Ball have included All-NBA escalator clauses in their contracts, potentially elevating the guaranteed amount of $207 million to a staggering $260 million.
With this extension, Minnesota now joins Denver and Phoenix as one of the few teams boasting three maximum contracts on their roster for the 2024-25 season, highlighting the franchise’s commitment to building a formidable team.
Expressing his gratitude and enthusiasm for remaining with the Timberwolves, Edwards stated, “I’m humbled, appreciative, and excited to remain in Minnesota as part of this incredible Timberwolves organization. It’s amazing to see where hard work can take you.”
In addition to his contract extension, Edwards unveiled a new initiative named “Don’t Follow The Wave.” This endeavor aims to support underserved youth within the local community, with Edwards personally devoting his time, funds, and resources. The initiative will collaborate with other nonprofit organizations serving young individuals in the region. Edwards, who tragically lost his mother and grandmother to cancer in 2015, will also extend his support to the African American Breast Cancer Alliance.
As Anthony Edwards secures his long-term future with the Timberwolves, his dedication on and off the court demonstrates his commitment to making a positive impact both as a player and as a philanthropist. Get the latest updates from the world of NBA only on Nextbet Sports.
