The Edwards-Grizzlies Buzz: A Bold Whisper
Look, the NBA rumor mill is always churning, especially when a star like Anthony Edwards is involved. The chatter about him potentially landing with the Memphis Grizzlies isn't new, but it's gotten louder in certain circles. It's a move that would shake up the Western Conference in a big way, and frankly, it's the kind of audacious swing Memphis needs to consider if they want to truly contend.
Edwards, still just 22 years old, averaged 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists last season for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He's a certified bucket-getter, an elite athlete, and a player whose ceiling feels limitless. For a Grizzlies team that's seen some key pieces struggle with consistency and health, adding a talent like Edwards is a dream scenario, albeit a complicated one.
Tactical Fit: Ant-Man in Memphis
Imagine Edwards alongside Ja Morant. Instant offense. The Grizzlies have been searching for a consistent secondary scorer and primary creator who isn't Morant. Desmond Bane is good, really good, but he's more of a catch-and-shoot specialist who can create off the dribble in spots. Edwards is a full-package offensive engine. He can drive, shoot from deep, and his passing has improved significantly.
Defensively, Edwards has all the tools to be elite. His athleticism, length, and competitive fire mean he can guard multiple positions. Pairing him with Morant, who's a high-energy defender when engaged, and Jaren Jackson Jr., the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, would give Memphis one of the most athletic and disruptive defensive backcourts in the league. You're talking about a lineup that could routinely force turnovers and get out in transition, which is exactly how Taylor Jenkins likes to play. The half-court offense, which has often bogged down for Memphis, would get a massive injection of dynamism.
“Edwards’ ability to create his own shot and finish through contact would alleviate so much pressure on Morant,” an assistant coach from a rival Western Conference team told me last week. “They’d have two guys who can get you a bucket whenever the shot clock is winding down, which they’ve lacked. And his transition game? Forget about it. They’d be unstoppable.”
The Financial Tightrope Walk
Here's where it gets tricky. Edwards signed a five-year, $205.9 million designated rookie extension with the Timberwolves last summer. That deal kicks in for the 2024-25 season. Any trade for Edwards would be a massive financial undertaking, requiring Memphis to send out significant salary to match. Ja Morant is on a max deal, Jaren Jackson Jr. is on a big contract, and Desmond Bane just signed his own extension. That's three max or near-max deals already.
To acquire Edwards, the Grizzlies would likely need to part with Bane, Brandon Clarke, and potentially draft picks. Bane's new deal starts at around $30 million. Clarke is on a reasonable contract, but it's still salary. A package built around Bane, Clarke, and multiple first-round picks — maybe three unprotected firsts and a pick swap — would be the starting point. That’s a steep price, but for a 22-year-old superstar, it’s the going rate.
Thing is, the Grizzlies would then have Morant, Edwards, and Jackson Jr. all on max or near-max deals. That's a massive financial commitment to three players, leaving little room under the salary cap for quality depth. They'd be relying heavily on minimum contracts and savvy veteran additions, similar to how the Warriors operated during their dynasty years with their big three. It's a high-risk, high-reward strategy that could handcuff them financially down the line, especially with the new collective bargaining agreement making it harder to build superteams.
Impact on the Minnesota Timberwolves
For the Timberwolves, trading Edwards would be a seismic shift. They've built their entire future around him. But if the rumors are true and there's any internal friction, or if they feel they need to recalibrate after their playoff exits, a blockbuster deal could be considered. Getting a player like Desmond Bane, who is an excellent shooter and secondary playmaker, plus a young, athletic big in Brandon Clarke, would give them a solid return.
More importantly, the haul of draft picks would allow Minnesota to rebuild around Karl-Anthony Towns (if they keep him) and Rudy Gobert, or to pivot completely. It would signal a new direction, moving away from the "three bigs" experiment that hasn't quite delivered a championship.
Comparing to Other Blockbusters
This kind of move draws parallels to trades like the Jazz sending Donovan Mitchell to the Cavaliers or the Pelicans acquiring Jrue Holiday years ago. In both cases, a young, established star was moved for a combination of promising players and a treasure trove of draft picks. The Mitchell trade, for example, netted the Jazz Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, Ochai Agbaji, three unprotected first-round picks, and two pick swaps. That's the kind of package Minnesota would demand for Edwards.
The Grizzlies would be going all-in, similar to how the Suns mortgaged their future for Kevin Durant. It's a move that says, "Our championship window is now, and we're willing to pay any price."
The Audacity of Hope
Real talk: This trade would instantly make the Grizzlies legitimate title contenders. They'd have two of the most explosive guards in the league, a DPOY big, and a clear identity. The fit is undeniable. The financial implications are terrifying but manageable if you believe Edwards is truly a top-10 player for the next decade.
My hot take? The Grizzlies should absolutely push for this. You don't get many chances to acquire a player of Edwards' caliber at 22. You bite the bullet, figure out the finances later, and go for it. Championships are won by taking these kinds of calculated risks.
Bold Prediction: While it's a long shot, the Grizzlies will make a serious push for Anthony Edwards this offseason, offering a package centered around Desmond Bane and three unprotected first-round picks, ultimately forcing Minnesota's hand to at least consider the deal.