Why Timberwolves need another star besides Anthony Edwards

The Minnesota Timberwolves are fresh off a 126-97 beatdown by the second-seeded San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference semifinals. Although star guard Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves have given the Spurs problems throughout the series, a much bigger issue has become evident for the Western Conference's sixth seed.

Minnesota is close to qualifying for its third consecutive Western Conference Finals. Edwards is largely responsible for that, having averaged 25.9 points, 6.5 rebounds and five assists in 51 playoff games. 

Edwards consistently rises to the occasion come playoff time — even now, as he is playing through a left knee injury. In a pivotal Game 4 with Minnesota down 2-1, Edwards exploded for 36 points and six rebounds in the Timberwolves' 114-109 win. 

However, in Minnesota's lopsided Game 5 loss, the Timberwolves struggled to keep up with San Antonio's scoring flurries. Edwards was frequently double-teamed, and the Timberwolves could have used a reliable scoring option to halt San Antonio's momentum.

Timberwolves need another offensive weapon

Former New York Knicks forward Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo came to Minnesota via a trade that sent former Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks. DiVincenzo suffered an Achilles injury in the first round, and Randle hasn't stepped up enough to be a viable co-star alongside Edwards. 

In the 2025 Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Randle averaged 17.4 points, but scored in single digits in two games in the five-game series. 

In 11 games in the 2026 playoffs, Randle is shooting just 40% from the field and 25.6% from the three-point line. Although role players such as Ayo Dosunmu and Terrence Shannon Jr. have risen to the occasion in the postseason, the Timberwolves need more consistent scoring production outside of Edwards — and much of that responsibility falls on Randle, who doesn't seem up to the task.

Potential co-stars for Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards

Superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly open for trade offers after an underwhelming 2026 season. Minnesota was rumored to be one of the teams interested in the two-time MVP at the trade deadline.

The pairing of Antetokounmpo and Edwards would create a nightmare for opponents on both ends of the floor. Both superstars are elite defenders and scorers. 

However, is Minnesota willing to give up Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid and Shannon Jr. to make that deal happen? 

Another player who would make plenty of sense for Minnesota to acquire is Houston Rockets superstar Kevin Durant. He is under contract with the Rockets through the 2027-28 season, but Houston's flaws were highlighted in a six-game first-round series loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Edwards has said Durant was one of his favorite players growing up, and pairing the two would give him the additional offensive help he needs.

Whether or not the Timberwolves win this series, Minnesota must make substantial changes to its roster for Edwards' sake. Game 6 is Friday at Minnesota.