Anthony Edwards, the rising star guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves, has been garnering praise from both current and former NBA players for his remarkable ascent to superstardom.
Hall of Famer Charles Barkley recently joined the chorus, commending the 22-year-old’s impressive performance. Edwards, who was the top pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, secured a lucrative four-year rookie-scale deal worth $44 million with the team.
As his contract approaches its final year, Edwards is set to earn a base salary of $13.5 million for the 2023-24 season. Additionally, the Timberwolves took proactive steps before this season began by extending his contract, ensuring that they secured their franchise player for the future.
During an episode of “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” Smith revealed to Charles Barkley that Anthony Edwards and Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, who played in the 2024 NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis, have the lowest salaries this season.
Despite both players receiving significant extension deals last summer, Barkley emphasized that Edwards’ value extends far beyond NBA contracts.
That boy Anthony Edwards. They’re gonna get that boy all the Three Lakes and the Twin Cities by the time his career is over. Because Anthony Edwards is a flat-out monster. They’re going to give him Minneapolis and Saint Paul. They’re gonna have to give him all those cities by the time he does his next contract because he’s a great player, and he’s ascending. So he’s unbelievable.
He said
The two-time All-Star Anthony Edwards signed a contract that could reach $260 million with an All-NBA nod for the 2023-24 season; otherwise, it’s valued at $217 million.
He is currently having a standout season, averaging 26.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game for the Timberwolves, currently holding one of the best records in the league. Despite rumors of him leaving for a bigger market, Edwards expressed his commitment to Minnesota before the All-Star break.
Anthony Edwards Supports NBA’s Latest Criteria for Awards
The NBA stirred controversy by introducing the 65-game rule, eliciting mixed reactions from players. While Draymond Green opposed it, Anthony Edwards openly supported the league’s decision during an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews on NBA Today.
Anthony Edwards (via Open Source/X)Edwards confidently backed his MVP chances amidst the Minnesota Timberwolves’ impressive performance, citing their top position in the West as a testament to his candidacy.
I like the 65-game rule. What are we here for? We’re here to play 40 games out of 82? I don’t think that should be rewarded. I think the 65-game rule is important cause it makes you understand you’re here to play basketball. You are not here to play every once in a while and rest. If you’re hurt, then cool. But if you’re just taking a night off, then nah, you gotta play.
Anthony Edwards said
His comments highlighted the significance of dedication among NBA stars and addressed concerns about their accountability.
