The Edwards Rumblings: Suns on the Prowl?
Look, the NBA rumor mill is always spinning, but when a name like Anthony Edwards starts getting whispered in the same breath as the Phoenix Suns, you have to pay attention. My sources tell me the Suns front office, always looking for that next big splash, has internally discussed what it would take to pry Edwards away from Minnesota. It's not just idle chatter; there's a real appetite in Phoenix to add another young, dynamic star to their aging core, especially after another disappointing playoff exit where they looked, frankly, old.
The Timberwolves, for their part, have publicly maintained Edwards is untouchable. And why wouldn't they? He just signed a five-year, $205.9 million rookie max extension that kicks in next season. He's their franchise cornerstone, a legitimate MVP candidate in the making who averaged 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists last season. But every player has a price, and if Minnesota were to somehow stumble early next season, or if Edwards himself were to express any discontent, the scene changes fast.
Tactical Fit: Ant-Man in the Desert
Imagine Edwards alongside Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. On paper, it's a terrifying offensive trio. Edwards' ability to attack the rim, create his own shot, and hit contested jumpers would alleviate immense pressure from Booker and Durant, who often carry the entire scoring load. Last season, the Suns' offense became predictable, relying heavily on isolation plays. Edwards would inject much-needed dynamism and youth.
"Edwards isn't just a scorer; he's an elite two-way player when he's locked in," an opposing scout told me last week. "He gives you perimeter defense, he can switch onto multiple positions, and he brings an athleticism Phoenix desperately lacks." The Suns' biggest weakness has been their lack of a true point guard and defensive intensity on the perimeter. While Edwards isn't a traditional point guard, his playmaking has improved, and he's more than capable of initiating offense. His defensive potential, especially against elite guards, would be a huge upgrade over what the Suns currently roll out.
Thing is, you'd be looking at a starting five of Edwards, Booker, Durant, and Jusuf Nurkic, leaving one spot open. The spacing would be incredible, but the defensive responsibilities on Edwards and Booker would be immense. Plus, who handles the ball against a full-court press? It's a high-octane offensive vision, but it doesn't solve all their problems.
The Financial Tightrope Walk for Phoenix
Here's the real hurdle: money. Edwards' contract is massive. The Suns are already deep into the second luxury tax apron, with Booker, Durant, and Bradley Beal all on max deals. Beal's $50.2 million salary next season, Durant's $51.2 million, and Booker's $52.3 million already make them one of the most expensive teams in the league. Adding Edwards' $42.3 million salary for 2024-25 means the Suns would be looking at an astronomical payroll, easily exceeding $200 million for their top four players alone. And that's before filling out the rest of the roster.
To acquire Edwards, the Suns would almost certainly have to trade Beal. A direct swap of Beal for Edwards works salary-wise, but it's hard to see why Minnesota would want Beal's long-term money and injury history when they already have a superstar guard. It would likely require a complex three-team deal, possibly involving the Mavericks, who are always looking for more offensive firepower, and who have some tradable pieces in Tim Hardaway Jr. and Josh Green.
Real talk: The Suns would be betting their entire future on this quartet. They'd have virtually no flexibility, no draft picks to speak of, and would be relying on minimum contracts to fill out the bench. It’s a move that screams 'championship or bust' and the bust scenario is, frankly, catastrophic for the franchise's long-term health.
Impact on Minnesota and Dallas
For the Timberwolves, trading Edwards would signal a full rebuild. It would be a shocking move, given his age and potential. They'd demand an absolute haul: multiple unprotected first-round picks, young talent with star potential, and possibly a good veteran to help them stay somewhat competitive. If they moved Edwards, they'd likely try to offload Karl-Anthony Towns as well, embracing a total reset around Rudy Gobert (who, let's be honest, is probably untradable at this point).
The Mavericks' involvement would be intriguing. If they could somehow help the deal, perhaps by taking on Beal's contract or sending out assets to Minnesota, they'd be looking to improve their own roster. They've been searching for a consistent third option alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Perhaps they'd try to flip some of their depth for a different kind of player, or acquire draft capital to use later. It's unlikely they'd be directly involved in acquiring Edwards, but they could be a crucial third party.
Is It Worth the Risk?
Here's my hot take: The Suns should absolutely push for Edwards, even if it means moving Beal and sacrificing every future pick. Durant isn't getting younger. Booker is in his prime. This is their window. Edwards gives them a legitimate shot at a title, and if you're going to go all-in, you might as well go for the real thing. You don't get many chances to acquire a 22-year-old superstar.
My bold prediction: The Suns make a serious play for Anthony Edwards before the next trade deadline, offering a package centered around Bradley Beal and multiple unprotected first-round picks, forcing Minnesota's hand and sending shockwaves through the league.