Timberwolves Notes: Edwards, CBA, Towns, Minott

The Timberwolves shook things up in a massive way just before training camp by trading away fan favorite and four-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns. Anthony Edwards has evolved into one of the league’s premier players since his league debut in 2020, and the trade signals the organization’s faith in him. Still, Edwards was surprised by the trade of one of his close friends, as detailed in a story by ESPN’s Myron Medcalf.

“I think everybody knows [Towns] is my brother,” Edwards said Monday. “So that definitely hurts, but you know, it’s a business, so I just have to roll with it.”

Top Wolves decision-makers couldn’t speak on the yet-to-be-finalized blockbuster, but expressed optimism in Edwards’ ability to continue bringing the franchise to glory. The Timberwolves finished with their second-best record in team history last season.

“We continue to challenge [Edwards] because we think he can be one of the best players ever and we don’t say that lightly,” team president Tim Connelly said. “And with that expectation comes tremendous responsibility.”

Edwards said he thinks Connelly is right.

We have more from the Timberwolves:

• While Connelly couldn’t speak specifically on the Towns trade, he was candid about the significant impact of the CBA’s second tax apron, Medcalf writes. Both Towns’ $220MM+ deal and Edwards’ $244MM+ contract started this season. “I mean the new rules are … some of the consequences are unintended, quite frankly,” Connelly said. “I don’t know if anyone intended to make it this challenging to make moves, to make trades when you’re above certain aprons. But you gotta be smart, you gotta be lucky, you gotta hit on some of your draft picks and then I think you have to, as much as possible, build teams that can stay together for multiple years.“
• By trading Towns, the Wolves are also betting that Naz Reid will continue to evolve after winning Sixth Man of the Year this past season, Chris Hine of The Star Tribune writes. Reid became the longest-tenured Wolves player once the move is official. Hine also lists other ways the move will impact Minnesota, taking a dive into how the team’s starters, flexibility, and depth will all be impacted.
• Wolves head coach Chris Finch gave third-year forward Josh Minott high praise on Monday, according to Jace Frederick of Pioneer Press (Twitter link). Finch said Minott has been one of the best players in the building for the Timberwolves over the past six weeks and that he’s had an incredible summer. Minott hasn’t played much since entering the league in 2022, averaging just 4.0 minutes and making 47 appearances. However, he averaged 19.5 PPG and 6.7 RPG last season in the G League. Finch’s praise of Minott is significant because after acquiring three players in exchange for Towns, the Timberwolves will have 15 players on guaranteed salaries, with PJ Dozier on a partial guarantee. Minott could have been on the roster bubble for the Wolves, but Finch’s seal of approval suggests his spot isn’t in any immediate danger.