If you’re thinking Anthony Edwards is crestfallen by LeBron James’ decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers over the Minnesota Timberwolves, think again.
As I reported after news of James’ choice broke Friday, Edwards had a retort to the possibility of his team being spurned by James.
During one of several conversations he had with James, Edwards playfully told him if he didn’t make a decision soon, he would tear off James’ head, according to league sources briefed on the conversation. James laughed and asked Edwards what would happen if he chose another team.
Edwards didn’t hesitate, telling him that would be OK, because that just meant he could tear off James’s head on the court when their two teams met. The exchange was rooted in the affinity and respect that the two share for one another. They won gold together at the Paris Olympics. Edwards has said that he views James as a blueprint for him to follow when it comes to taking care of his body. And James has said on his podcast that he views Edwards as the kind of player that will be able to draw free agents to Minnesota just to play with him.
After losing out on LeBron, Timberwolves chart path forward.
Jon Krawczynski
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The Timberwolves threw everything they possibly could at James to try to persuade him to chase a championship with them, including calls from Edwards and LaMelo Ball. Alex Rodriguez led ownership’s pitch given their common ground as superstar athletes who have become business moguls. Tim Connelly’s longstanding working relationship with Rich Paul helped the two have extended conversations on the fit for James in Minnesota.
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Throughout the process, team sources said, the Timberwolves felt like James and his camp were giving them full consideration for his 24th season. Those sources spoke on condition of anonymity to be able to speak candidly about private negotiations. They always knew it was a long shot, but the prospect of putting James in a starting lineup alongside Edwards, Ball, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert was something they had to pursue all the way to the end.
Instead, Edwards now has a chance to do exactly what he promised the next time Minnesota and Philly match up.
Read the full story here.