Mavericks Eyeing Edwards: A Dallas Blockbuster?
Word out of league circles suggests the Dallas Mavericks are quietly, but aggressively, exploring avenues to acquire Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards. This isn't just smoke; there's real fire behind the whispers, especially with Minnesota's ownership situation feeling a bit unsettled and their payroll set to explode. Think about it: Luka Doncic and Edwards. That's a backcourt nightmare for the rest of the NBA.
Here's the thing: Edwards just signed a five-year, $205.9 million rookie max extension that kicks in for the 2024-25 season. That's a massive commitment, and it means any team trading for him would be taking on that full freight. For the Mavericks, who already have Doncic on a supermax and Kyrie Irving on a substantial deal, the financial gymnastics required would be dizzying, to say the least. They'd be looking at a luxury tax bill that would make Mark Cuban wince, even after his recent sale of a majority stake.
Tactically, Edwards in Dallas makes almost too much sense. He's a three-level scorer, an elite perimeter defender when engaged, and brings an athleticism the Mavericks desperately need. Imagine Doncic orchestrating, Edwards attacking the rim or hitting pull-up threes, and Irving creating off the dribble. Dallas's offense, already top-tier, would become virtually unguardable. Edwards averaged 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists last season for the Wolves, showcasing his all-around growth.
The Fit, The Cost, The Fallout
A trade for Edwards would fundamentally alter Dallas's identity. They'd go from a team built around two primary ball-handlers to one with three bona fide stars. Who gets the ball? How do possessions get distributed? Edwards is accustomed to being 'the guy' in Minnesota, leading them to a 56-win season. He's a high-usage player, and so are Doncic and Irving. Finding that balance would be head coach Jason Kidd's biggest challenge, though having too much talent is a good problem to have.
Real talk: The Mavericks would likely have to part with a significant haul of future draft picks, perhaps three or four unprotected first-rounders, and likely promising young players like Dereck Lively II or Jaden Hardy. Tim Hardaway Jr.'s expiring contract ($16.2 million) would be a necessary salary filler, but Minnesota would demand much more. They're not just giving away a 22-year-old superstar under contract for five more years for pennies on the dollar. This isn't a distressed asset sale; it's a calculated move if the Wolves feel they can't sustain their current payroll.
For Minnesota, trading Edwards would signal a full rebuild. They'd be moving off a franchise cornerstone, likely because the financial realities of having Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Rudy Gobert on max or near-max deals are simply unsustainable for a mid-market team, especially with the new CBA's harsher luxury tax penalties. Gobert alone is set to make $43.8 million next season. This would be a painful but potentially necessary reset for the Timberwolves, giving them a treasure trove of picks and young talent to build around.
Look at similar blockbuster deals. When the Thunder traded Paul George to the Clippers in 2019, they got Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and five first-round picks. When the Pelicans sent Anthony Davis to the Lakers in 2019, they received Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, three first-round picks, and a pick swap. Edwards is younger and arguably has more upside than George did at the time of his trade, so the price would be astronomical.
What It Means for Both Sides
For the Mavericks, this move is about chasing a championship now. You pair Edwards with Doncic, and you instantly become a top-tier contender, perhaps even the favorite in the Western Conference. They'd have three players who can create their own shot, defend multiple positions, and handle the ball under pressure. The fit with Doncic is particularly intriguing; Edwards' ability to attack off the catch and his relentless transition game would perfectly complement Luka's half-court wizardry.
But there's a risk. Dallas would be all-in, with virtually no draft capital left to maneuver and a payroll that would be extremely difficult to manage for years to come. Injuries, chemistry issues, or a slight dip in performance from any of the 'Big Three' could sink the entire enterprise. It's a high-stakes gamble, but one that could pay off with a banner in the rafters.
As for the Timberwolves, this would be a gut-wrenching decision. Edwards is their homegrown star, the face of the franchise. But if they're staring down repeater tax penalties and feeling constrained by their current roster construction, getting a haul of young talent and picks might be their only way forward. It would hurt in the short term, but it could set them up for sustained success down the line, similar to how the Thunder rebuilt after trading Westbrook and George.
One source close to the Mavericks' front office told me, "They know what Edwards brings. He's a certified bucket, and he's got that dog in him. You put him next to Luka, and it just unlocks so much. The money is the headache, but you don't get a chance at a talent like that every day."
Conversely, a Minnesota insider confided, "Ant is our guy, everyone knows that. But the numbers... the numbers don't lie. If someone comes with an offer that blows us away, an offer that sets us up for the next decade, you have to listen. It's not about wanting to trade him; it's about being smart."
This isn't a done deal by any means, but the fact that these conversations are happening with any seriousness indicates a potentially seismic shift in the NBA scene. The Mavericks are clearly willing to push all their chips to the middle of the table.
Bold Prediction: The Mavericks will ultimately acquire Anthony Edwards before the 2025 trade deadline, sacrificing Dereck Lively II, multiple unprotected first-round picks, and Tim Hardaway Jr. to form a 'Big Three' that immediately makes them the favorites to win the 2025 NBA championship.