Ex-NBA Player Says Pairing Anthony Edwards With Suns' Superstar Would 'Drastically' Boost His Game
Ex-NBA Player Says Pairing Anthony Edwards With Suns' Superstar Would 'Drastically' Boost His Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Minnesota Timberwolves' 2024-25 season came to an end on Wednesday night as they were eliminated in five games by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Advertisement
Game 5 did not go Minnesota's way as Oklahoma City dominated their way to a victory and a trip to the NBA Finals.
Now the Timberwolves have a crucial offseason ahead of them as they try to retool their roster after being eliminated in the Western Conference Finals in back-to-back seasons.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5).© Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Of course, Anthony Edwards is the player that the Timberwolves will continue to build around and former NBA player Jay Williams believes that they should target a superstar from the Phoenix Suns to pair alongside him this offseason.
'Pairing him with maybe Kevin Durant may be one of the best things...that would increase his basketball IQ drastically,' Williams said.
This is a bold take by Williams but he does make a compelling case as Durant's fit next to Edwards would not only take the pressure off Minnesota's young star but also allow him to continue to develop in other ways rather than scoring the ball.
Advertisement
Of course, it was reported at the trade deadline that the Timberwolves made a last second push to acquire Durant from the Suns but Phoenix was unwilling to move him.
That is likely to change this offseason after Phoenix missed the playoffs and now look to rebuild their roster around Devin Booker.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) against Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35).Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Because of this, Durant is likely to be on the move once again and the Timberwolves have emerged as a potential landing spot for the future Hall of Famer this summer.
Minnesota has enough assets to make a move for Durant while keeping most of their core together and adding him next to Edwards may help the Timberwolves get over the hump and reach the NBA Finals next season.
Advertisement
On the other side, the Suns would also benefit from a Durant trade to the Timberwolves, especially if they are able to receive Jaden McDaniels in return as he would give them a much-needed 3-and-D wing alongside Booker.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
38 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Knicks-Pacers Game 5 Draws Largest Audience in Almost 10 Years
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks have a historic rivalry. It's one that got renewed this year by having these two teams face off in the Eastern Conference Finals. New York hasn't been to the NBA Finals since 1999, when they beat the Pacers to get there. Indiana hasn't been to the Finals since 2000, when they beat the Knicks to advance. After Game 5, the Pacers still lead the series 3-2. The Knicks were able to stave off elimination and elongate the series. Obi Toppin #1 of the Indiana Pacers dunks the ball against the New York Knicks during overtime in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers currently lead the series 3-2 over the Knicks. Obi Toppin #1 of the Indiana Pacers dunks the ball against the New York Knicks during overtime in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers currently lead the series 3-2 over the Knicks. Photo byNew York won that must-win Game 5 in front of a fired-up home crowd at Madison Square Garden. The fans in the arena weren't the only fans who were fired up to watch the game, though. NBA fans all over were excited to watch the Knicks take down the Pacers. In fact, the ratings were through the roof for an Eastern Conference game. It was the most-watched Eastern Conference Finals Game 5 since 2018, which is quite a feat. Thursday night's Pacers/Knicks game averaged 6.7 million viewers, the most watched ECF, Game 5 since 2018. Viewership peaked with 7.9 million viewers at 9:45 Per @TNTSportsUS — Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) May 30, 2025 The fact that the Knicks are in the game certainly helps the national appeal. They are one of the biggest markets in the NBA, so casual fans are going to watch them play. Indiana is one of the most fun teams to watch in the league, as well. This is also a historic rivalry, so that's why so many people are tuning in. Read more: Bucks Hit With Troubling Brook Lopez Update Surprisingly, the series hasn't gotten as chippy as some NBA pundits thought it might get. Both teams have been able to keep their cool thus far. Tyrese Haliburton has had some incredible moments in this series for the Pacers. He is the engine that drives their offense, and he helped cap an insane comeback in Game 1. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have been instrumental in the success the Knicks have had. Both players continue to play well, no matter what Indiana throws at them. If Indiana makes the NBA Finals, it will be just the second time in franchise history that they will have accomplished that feat. The Knicks last won an NBA title in 1973, so if they make it, they will be looking to do something they haven't done in over 50 years. Meanwhile, the Pacers have never won an NBA championship. A lot is at stake for both franchises as the series winds down to a close. More NBA on Newsweek: Suns' Kevin Durant Receives Eye-Opening Future Prediction Mavericks Trade Proposal Lands 2-Time All-Star For Daniel Gafford
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Sixers' Paul George has advice for Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards
The game of basketball is all about progression and development. In order to be a star in this league, one has to keep growing and take steps forward in his game to be at that next level. That is the challenge for Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards. After a blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals, Edwards and the Wolves are in the same position they were in 2024 when they were blown out in Game 5 by the Dallas Mavericks. Edwards had some big moments against the Thunder--most notably the Game 3 win--but his scoring average of 23.0 points in the series combined with his 28.2% 3-point percentage left a lot to be desired. Advertisement Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George offered up some advice to Edwards as he continues with his career. On the latest episode of "Podcast P with Paul George": I think Ant's gotta get better at he's gotta develop a post game. Where he can let the game slow down, where he can get to one dribble and raise up and shoot, and I think that helps a player get into a rhythm a lot better, where he starts closer and he doesn't have to worry about bringing two defenders to the ball to try to get free, get to an elbow, get to the mid post, where you can see the whole floor, and play from there. So I think that's the next evolution for Ant. Edwards is only 23 years old. One has to believe that he is going to continue taking these steps forward as a superstar and develop into one of the best players the league has seen. As for George and the Sixers, they will be looking to get healthy and capitalize on the talent they possess after a miserable 2024-25 season. This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers' Paul George has advice for Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers: Predictions, picks, odds for Eastern Conference finals
New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers: Predictions, picks, odds for Eastern Conference finals Show Caption Hide Caption What can we expect next year from 'Inside the NBA' crew? Shaq shares how he's feeling about the last season of 'Inside the NBA' on TNT and what to look forward to next year on a new network. Sports Seriously The NBA playoffs continue with a crucial Game 6 in the Eastern Conference finals between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks on Saturday night. The Pacers lead the series 3-2. The Knicks extended the series after a dominant 111-94 victory at Madison Square Garden in Game 5. Jalen Brunson scored 32 points to go with five rebounds and five assists. Karl-Anthony Towns added 24 points and 13 rebounds despite battling a bruised left knee to help keep the Knicks' season alive. The series returns to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for the potentially decisive Game 6. The Pacers are determined to finish the series in front of their home crowd and secure their second NBA Finals appearance in franchise history. Here is how to watch Saturday's Game 6 between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks. KNICKS: Draw up blueprint to beat the Pacers. Can it save their season? Knicks vs Pacers predictions: Eastern Conference finals Game 6 picks USA TODAY: Pacers are unanimous pick Jeff Zillgitt: Pacers 111, Knicks 106 Pacers 111, Knicks 106 Scooby Axson: Pacers 117, Knicks 103 Pacers 117, Knicks 103 Cydney Henderson: Pacers 118, Knicks 113 Pacers 118, Knicks 113 James Williams: Pacers 110, Knicks 105 ESPN: Pacers have a 58% chance of winning According to ESPN's Matchup Predictor, the Indiana Pacers have a 58% chance of beating the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals. Bleacher Report: Pacers punch ticket to finals Andy Bailey writes: "With the Knicks' transition offense limited by fewer Pacer turnovers and Indiana a bit more locked in from three, the Pacers should be able to win at home and end this series. As is often the case when a series hits this point (one team having more than one chance to close things out), Indiana appeared to have let its foot off the gas a bit even before the game started. It's human nature to let your mind drift to the fact that you'll get another shot at home in 48 hours. But that won't happen again. Knowing Game 7 would be in New York will force the Pacers to focus and come out far more aggressively on Saturday. And after that win, Indiana will return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000." Draft Kings: Indiana Pacers Julian Edlow writes: I'll take Indy to go wire-to-wire again in Game 6 and advance to the NBA Finals. You can bet them on the double result (lead at halftime and win the game) at even money, and/or lay the -4 on the Pacers at DraftKings Sportsbook." New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers Game 6 odds The Indiana Pacers are favored to beat the New York Knicks in Game 6 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, according to BetMGM (odds as of evening of Friday, May 30): Spread : Pacers (-3.5) : Pacers (-3.5) Moneyline : Pacers (-175); Knicks (+145) : Pacers (-175); Knicks (+145) Over/under: 219.5 How to watch New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers Game 6 Time: 8 p.m. ET 8 p.m. ET Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis) Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis) TV: TNT, truTV TNT, truTV Stream: Sling TV, Max Watch Pacers vs. Knicks Game 6 on Sling Knicks vs. Pacers Eastern Conference finals schedule (Pacers lead series 3-2) All times Eastern; *-if necessary
