Anthony Edwards reportedly 'excited' about Wolves' offseason overhaul

Following a disappointing exit in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs, the Wolves shook up the roster this offseason. By acquiring star point guard LaMelo Ball, the Wolves were forced to ship out fan favorite Naz Reid. Minnesota also traded forward Julius Randle, but then filled his spot on the roster by landing power forward Jonathan Kuminga via free agency last week.

The moves were designed to reshape the roster and free up Edwards to play more off the ball. Already, the chemistry between Ant and Ball has shown through with their much-publicized team trip to Paris. According to numerous reports, Edwards was heavily involved in recruiting Kuminga to pick the Wolves over other suitors in recent weeks.

“Ant played a significant role in recruiting Kuminga,” added Windhorst. “You know, Kuminga was sitting on this decision for some time here. (He) had these other options.”

So, it would appear that, as of now, Edwards approves of the moves that Tim Connelly and company have made this offseason. However, as Windhorst pointed out, that same feeling from Ant has to be there next offseason.

“All that matters is the way that Ant feels about it,” continued Windhorst. “If Ant is excited about it, and is excited in a year, they will have done their job.”

Edwards has three years left on his contract. Starting next offseason, he’ll be available to sign another extension with the organization. If he meets certain criteria, Edwards could have the opportunity to sign a supermax deal that would make him one of the highest-paid stars in the league.

Reaching those criteria is vitally important, though. The Wolves would be the only team able to offer Ant the supermax, meaning Minnesota would be able to offer him far more than any other team in the league. That would give Connelly and the Wolves a big bargaining chip in their efforts to convince Edwards to remain in Minnesota.

In order to do that, Edwards has to play at least 65 games and be named to an All-NBA team. He has been on the All-NBA Second Team twice in his career, but didn’t earn that honor last year after only playing 61 games.

The gamble this offseason by Connelly to overhaul the roster with the additions of Ball and Kuminga will play a key role in Edwards returning to All-NBA status. After a season in which he dealt with constant double-teams, LaMelo being the primary ball-handler should free up Edwards to find space and score in more catch-and-shoot opportunities.

“If the extension was now, maybe he would sign it,” said Windhorst. “Maybe he would be excited about this enough to sign it. Maybe he thinks LaMelo will be a perfect fit, and maybe he will be a perfect fit. It’s just — (I’m) not trying to be a jerk, I’m just trying to be honest — the time where Ant has to feel really good about the Wolves is a year from now.”