The Timberwolves are in a tough spot, fighting for playoff positioning, but now they have an even bigger problem—Anthony Edwards is on the edge of an NBA-mandated suspension. Sunday’s game against the Thunder saw Edwards pick up his 14th technical foul, and the way it happened had fans shaking their heads.
After a physical drive where Chet Holmgren and Lu Dort seemed to make clear contact, no whistle was blown. Edwards, frustrated, clapped at referee Jacyn Goble. At first, nothing happened. But once OKC scored on the other end, the tech was finally handed out. And now the Ant-man has done it again.
Jarred Vanderbilt and Edwards got into a scuffle as the Timberwolves were battling it out against the Lakers. At the end of first quarter, they shoved each other and had to be separated. It led to technicals for both of them. That whistle pushed Edwards’ total to 15, leaving him just one away from an automatic suspension and he’ll be fined $4000 for his 15th technical.
At this point, he’s walking a fine line. One more outburst, one more reaction the refs don’t like, and he’s sitting out one game. With Minnesota sitting seventh in the West, every single game matters. Losing Edwards now? That would be a brutal blow. The Wolves are already in a tight battle for playoff positioning, and missing their best player at this stage could throw everything off.
Anthony Edwards and Jarred Vanderbilt were issued double technical fouls during the break. Edwards is now up to 15 technicals, one away from a suspension.
— Chris Hine (@ChristopherHine) February 28, 2025
It would be a shame because night in and night out, this three-time All-Star has been putting on a show. Across 57 games, he’s averaging 36.8 minutes, carrying a heavy workload without slowing down. He’s lighting up defenses with 27.5 points per game while also grabbing 6.0 rebounds and dishing out 4.6 assists.
But against the Lakers on Friday, he has only scored 4 points in 16 mins of game time. But the bigger picture? Minnesota has to prove they can build a winner. Anthony Edwards won’t stick around forever if he feels they can’t compete.
The Timberwolves look to more pieces around Anthony Edwards
Minnesota has no room for error if they want to move up in the Western Conference standings. Sitting at seventh, they have a chance to catch teams like the Clippers, but only if they stay locked in. Every game matters, and this final stretch could define their season.
More importantly, it could shape their future. Edwards is all about winning, and if he starts doubting Minnesota’s ability to build a contender, he will pressure the organization to adjust its strategy. The front office has to make smart moves this offseason to show they’re serious about competing. While Kevin Durant has been mentioned as a dream addition, they don’t need a blockbuster deal to improve.
Bleacher Report recently outlined three potential trade targets for every team, and Kevin Durant was at the top of Minnesota’s list. But a more realistic name? Toronto’s Ochai Agbaji. The young wing is having his best season yet, averaging 10.1 points and 3.7 rebounds while shooting an efficient 50.4% from the field and 39.6% from three.
Jan 3, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5), center Rudy Gobert (27) and guard Mike Conley (10) talk during a free throw against the New Orleans Pelicans in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
If Nickeil Alexander-Walker leaves, Agbaji could slide in as a key bench piece, adding much-needed scoring depth. Plus, he’s no stranger to winning. He helped Kansas capture the 2022 NCAA title and was named Most Outstanding Player. That kind of experience and competitive fire could be exactly what Minnesota needs as they try to prove they belong in the contender conversation. The pressure is on—now it’s up to the front office to deliver.
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