The Minnesota Timberwolves' dynamic guard, Anthony Edwards, is facing a significant hurdle in his career. Scheduled for knee surgery this Thursday, the injury is expected to keep him off the court for more than two months, potentially derailing his chance at a record-breaking $304 million supermax contract.
According to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, the procedure will clarify the recovery timeline, but early indications suggest a lengthy absence. "Anthony Edwards will have surgery on Thursday, after which there will be a better idea on the timeline for recovery, I’m told. As of now, the belief is it’s going to be more than two months," Krawczynski reported.
The timing couldn't be worse. The NBA's 65-game rule, designed to discourage stars from resting too often, requires players to appear in at least 65 games to be eligible for major honors like All-NBA selection. Missing that threshold would make Edwards ineligible for the supermax extension, a four-year deal worth $304 million.
This rule, intended to keep the league's biggest names on the floor, now threatens to penalize a player known for his durability. Between 2020 and 2025, Edwards never missed more than 10 games in a season. Last year, however, he sat out 21, and now this surgery could push him past the limit again.
Fans have been quick to voice their frustration. "A rule built to stop stars resting is about to cost $304M to the one guy who basically never sits," one fan posted on X. Another added, "If Ant can’t get the Supermax, no one should get the supermax." A third wrote, "Just another disastrous decision by Adam Silver. The rule doesn’t work and it actually hurts players like Anthony Edwards, who play all the time when available."
While the financial blow is significant, Edwards isn't exactly destitute. Even without the supermax, he'd still be eligible for a deal worth well over $200 million, likely north of $250 million. But the difference is substantial, and it could influence his future with the Timberwolves.
If Edwards were to become disgruntled, the league landscape could shift dramatically. There's no current indication he wants out of Minnesota, but should that change, other teams would eagerly line up to meet his reduced price tag. The combination of this injury and the 65-game rule could send shockwaves through the NBA next season.
For now, Timberwolves fans are holding their breath, hoping their star recovers quickly and that the league might reconsider its stance. But as it stands, a simple knee injury could cost Edwards the biggest payday of his career.
