When Anthony Edwards arrived on the Minnesota Timberwolves, there was already another All-Star on the roster. In fact, like Ant, Karl-Anthony Towns was even a No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft just five years prior.
Yet, despite all the pre-draft questions wondering if Edwards could develop into a good scorer or even be an average defender, it hasn’t taken the top pick from the 2020 NBA Draft long to become the face of the franchise in Minnesota.
As if it weren’t already obvious, with the offense running through Ant-Man, even the team’s general manager, Tim Connelly, admitted the organization is fully committed to building around Edwards going forward.
“I think pretty much every decision we’re going to make moving forward is going to be with Ant paramount.”
Minnesota Timberwolves GM Tim Connelly on Anthony Edwards
As trade rumors surrounding Towns continue to circulate, this quote could be all the evidence needed for other teams to place a call about a potential trade. Yet, being that the 27-year-old is still viewed as one of the franchise cornerstones and has developed a strong bond with the new face of the franchise, a KAT trade may not be on the horizon this offseason either.
The fact remains that, as many flaws as the former Kentucky star has, he’s also one of the sweetest-shooting bigs in basketball. Replacing a talent like Towns doesn’t come easily, especially for a team looking for a way past the first round of the playoffs after their first consecutive postseason appearances since the Kevin Garnett era in 2004.
While Towns’ future in the Twin Cities is uncertain, the 21-year-old Edwards won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.
Related: NBA insider says Minnesota Timberwolves should trade top star: ‘He’s not a guy you can win with’