Dallas Wants Ant: A Wolves Nightmare?
The whispers have been getting louder, and my sources tell me there's real fire behind the smoke: the Dallas Mavericks are absolutely fascinated by Anthony Edwards. Look, this isn't some casual interest; it's a full-court press, a strategic move that would fundamentally alter their franchise and send shockwaves across the Western Conference. The idea of Luka Dončić and Edwards sharing a backcourt is tantalizing, sure, but the logistics are a nightmare for Minnesota.
Dallas, fresh off a Finals appearance that exposed some clear offensive limitations beyond Dončić and Kyrie Irving, sees Edwards as the missing piece. He's a legitimate three-level scorer, an athletic marvel who averaged 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists last season, leading the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals. That's the kind of production you don't just find on the waiver wire. The Mavs believe his downhill aggression and improved perimeter shooting (35.7% from three in 2023-24) would perfectly complement Dončić's playmaking.
Here's the thing: Edwards is under contract. A massive, five-year, $205.9 million rookie max extension that kicks in this coming season. That's a huge commitment, and it means any trade for him would involve an absolute haul of assets. We're talking multiple first-round picks, pick swaps, and at least one or two high-value young players. Dallas doesn't have a ton of those to offer outside of Dereck Lively II and perhaps Jaden Hardy.
The Tactical Fit: A Double-Edged Sword
On paper, pairing Edwards with Dončić sounds like a dream. You'd have two elite creators, both capable of scoring 30+ on any given night. Edwards' ability to attack closeouts and finish at the rim would alleviate pressure on Dončić, who often carries an unsustainable offensive load. Imagine Edwards running in transition, catching lobs, or simply creating his own shot when Dončić draws a double team. It's a terrifying thought for opposing defenses.
But there are legitimate questions. Both players are ball-dominant. Dončić, for all his brilliance, needs the ball in his hands to orchestrate. Edwards, particularly as he's developed, has taken on more primary creation duties in Minnesota. Can they coexist efficiently? Irving has proven he can play off Dončić, but Edwards' offensive profile is different. He's more of a bulldozer than a silky off-ball mover. There would be a significant adjustment period, and the coaching staff would need to be incredibly creative in their offensive schemes.
Defensively, Edwards is a plus. He's got the athleticism and tenacity to guard multiple positions, a trait the Mavericks desperately need. His presence would immediately upgrade their perimeter defense, a critical area given their struggles against elite guard play in the playoffs. In the 2024 postseason, Edwards averaged 1.5 steals and 0.6 blocks, showcasing his disruptive potential.
Financial Gymnastics and Wolves' Dilemma
Financially, this move would be a seismic event for Dallas. Dončić is due a supermax extension soon, and Irving is already on a hefty deal. Adding Edwards' max contract means the Mavericks would be firmly entrenched in the luxury tax for years, and likely well into the second apron. This would severely limit their ability to add depth through free agency and could even cost them future draft picks if they remain in the second apron too long. The new CBA rules hit hard, and Dallas would be feeling the full force.
For the Timberwolves, losing Edwards would be catastrophic. He is the face of their franchise, the guy who brought them out of years of mediocrity and into contention. His 2023-24 season saw him lead the team to a 56-26 record, their best in two decades. You don't just replace that. Trading him would signal a full rebuild, especially if Karl-Anthony Towns or Rudy Gobert were also moved. The fan base would be up in arms, and deservedly so. Minnesota has shown zero indication they want to move him; they view him as untouchable.
However, every player has a price. If Dallas were to offer a package centered around multiple unprotected first-round picks (think 2027, 2029, 2031), plus some pick swaps and a young talent like Lively II, the Wolves' front office would at least have to listen. Lively II showed incredible promise in his rookie year, averaging 8.8 points and 6.9 rebounds, and could be a cornerstone for a future rebuild. But let's be real, it would take an offer so absurdly rich that it would make the initial haul for Gobert look like small change.
Comparing the Unthinkable
There aren't many direct comparisons for a trade of this magnitude involving a young, established superstar on a max extension. Perhaps the Kevin Durant trade to Phoenix comes closest in terms of superstar movement, but KD was older and had a more established championship pedigree. The James Harden trade to Brooklyn also involved a massive haul of picks and players, but Harden was pushing for a move.
The closest analog in terms of a team acquiring a third max-level talent to pair with two others might be the Lakers' acquisition of Anthony Davis to play alongside LeBron James and then adding Russell Westbrook (which, let's be honest, didn't work out). The difference here is age; Edwards is 22, Dončić 25, and Irving 32. That's a much younger core to build around, offering a longer championship window.
One analyst I spoke with, who has worked in multiple NBA front offices, put it plainly: "You don't get a talent like Edwards without giving up everything. Dallas would be all-in, no turning back. It's a swing for the fences, and if it doesn't result in a title, it could set them back a decade." That's a pretty stark assessment, but it highlights the sheer risk involved.
My hot take? Dallas should absolutely go for it. You have Luka Dončić, a generational talent, and you owe it to him to put the best possible team around him. You might empty your draft cupboard, but if you win a championship, those picks are a small price to pay.
Bold prediction: The Mavericks make a Godfather offer for Anthony Edwards by the 2025 trade deadline, forcing Minnesota's hand and creating the most dynamic backcourt in the league. However, it will cost them Lively II, Hardy, and every unprotected first-round pick they can legally trade until 2031.