The Edwards-Grizzlies Rumor Mill Heats Up
Look, the NBA rumor mill is always churning, especially when a team like the Memphis Grizzlies is trying to get back to contender status. They've got Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane, but they need another piece, a true shot-creator who can take over when things get tight. And that's where the whispers about Anthony Edwards come in. It's a long shot, sure, but the idea of Ant-Man in Beale Street Blue? It's tantalizing.
Edwards, still just 22, put up 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists for the Minnesota Timberwolves last season, leading them to a surprising playoff run. He's a two-way force, a guy who can guard multiple positions and explode to the rim. Memphis needs that kind of dynamism, especially with Morant's recent injury history and the league's increased focus on wing play.
Tactical Fit: Ant-Man in the Grindhouse
Let's be real, Edwards is a plug-and-play superstar. He fits anywhere. But in Memphis? He'd be lethal. Imagine a lineup with Morant pushing the pace, Edwards attacking off the wing, Bane spacing the floor, and Jackson Jr. protecting the rim. That's a nightmare for opposing defenses. Edwards excels in transition, something the Grizzlies love to do, averaging 1.15 points per possession in transition last year, according to teamwork Sports.
He'd also alleviate some of the offensive burden on Morant. For too long, when Ja was off the floor or struggling, the Grizzlies' half-court offense could get stagnant. Edwards can create his own shot against anyone, and he's shown improved playmaking, dishing out a career-high 5.1 assists last season. He shoots 35.7% from three-point range for his career, which is perfectly respectable, and he's not afraid to take big shots.
Defensively, Edwards is a bulldog. He's got the size and athleticism to guard point guards through small forwards, and he brings a competitive fire that would fit right in with the Grizzlies' 'Grit and Grind' ethos. He averaged 1.3 steals and 0.5 blocks last season, often taking on the toughest perimeter assignment. This isn't just about adding offense; it's about adding a legitimate two-way star who elevates the entire team's identity.
The Financial Hurdles and Trade Package
Here's the rub: Edwards just signed a five-year, $205 million rookie maximum extension with the Timberwolves, kicking in for the 2024-25 season. Moving that kind of contract, especially for a player of his caliber, is incredibly difficult. Minnesota isn't just giving him away; they see him as their franchise cornerstone. So, any trade would require a king's ransom.
For Memphis, that means a significant portion of their future assets. Desmond Bane, despite his value, would almost certainly have to be in the package to match salaries and provide the Timberwolves with an immediate, high-level replacement. Bane is on a four-year, $197 million extension, a deal that starts this coming season. On top of that, you're looking at multiple unprotected first-round picks – probably three or four, maybe even a pick swap. Think about the Rudy Gobert trade, where the Timberwolves sent out five first-round picks and pick swaps, plus multiple players, to acquire him. Edwards is significantly younger and a much better player than Gobert was at the time of that deal.
“If the Grizzlies are serious about getting Edwards, they'd have to mortgage their entire future,” said one league executive I spoke with recently. “Bane, multiple unprotected firsts, maybe even a young player like Ziaire Williams. It would be a gut-wrenching decision, but for a player like Edwards, you have to consider it.”
The Pelicans, often linked to disgruntled stars, don't factor into this particular Edwards scenario as much, unless they become a third team help a deal for other assets. Their focus remains on Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, and they've been more in the market for veteran complementary pieces than another young, high-usage star.
Impact on Both Sides
For the Timberwolves, losing Edwards would be devastating. He's their best player, their emotional leader, and the face of the franchise. Their entire future was built around him and Karl-Anthony Towns. If they were to move him, it would signal a complete rebuild, likely involving trading Towns and Gobert as well. They'd get a haul of picks and a proven scorer in Bane, but it would be a step back into the lottery for several years.
For the Grizzlies, this is a win-now move. They're already a playoff team, but they've struggled to get over the hump in the Western Conference. Adding Edwards instantly makes them a legitimate championship contender. They'd have three All-Star caliber players, all under 25, and a defensive anchor in Jackson Jr. It's a high-risk, high-reward proposition, but the upside is immense. It would solidify their status as a perennial contender in the West for the next five to seven years.
Here's the thing: you don't often get the chance to acquire a player like Anthony Edwards. He's a top-10 talent in the league, still improving, and plays a position of premium value. If Memphis wants to truly compete for a title, they might have to make this kind of bold, aggressive move, even if it means saying goodbye to a fan favorite like Bane.
Bold Prediction: While the cost is astronomical, the Memphis Grizzlies make a strong push for Anthony Edwards this offseason, ultimately sacrificing Desmond Bane and three unprotected first-round picks to form a 'Big 3' that immediately makes them a top-two seed in the Western Conference next season.