Insider Reveals Troubling Details of Anthony Edwards & 2 Others’ Future as Alex Rodriguez Faces Major Dilemma

It all seems to be crumbling at the wrong time for the Timberwolves. Never mind trying to become the 14th team to overcome a 3-1 series loss in NBA history, that too against this OKC Thunder team. But their player contracts are not something to stick on the refrigerator. And when it comes to Anthony Edwards and Co., Brian Windhorst’s observations have made their off-season plans that much more complicated.

The current core of players that includes Anthony Edwards, Naz Reid, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle are going to be hard to sign down. And you know what makes GM Matt Lloyd’s job that much harder? They’re all different situations. Ant and Gobert’s contracts are financially huge. Meanwhile, the trio of Randle-NAW-Reid are all free agents. For a team that is on the verge of losing its second WCF on the bounce, will any of them be keen to re-sign? For Windy, it’s unlikely.

“Julius Randle is a free agent. Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a free agent and Naz Reid is a free agent. [He] hasn’t opt out, which I’m sure he’s going to take. And Ant’s contract is, you know, very large. Gobert’s contract is way up there,” said Windy on Pardon My Take.

Nov 7, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts after scoring against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Edwards is currently on a 5-year, $244,623,120 contract that’s already incredibly beefy. Meanwhile, Gobert too is on a fat 5-year, $205,000,002 contract he signed with the Jazz, and is awaiting a 3-year, $109,500,000 extension with Minnesota. It’s all written in the stars for the French. But they’re awaiting new owners. They have a dilemma on their hands. They can only keep Gobert or Randle, and it’s gonna be tough for them to decide who’s more important.

Anthony Edwards safe, but Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore have to choose between Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert

The Minnesota Timberwolves are navigating a challenging financial landscape as they contend with significant luxury tax implications and roster decisions. Their payroll for the current season exceeded the $140.6 million cap that was set. And this placed them well above the second apron, which is projected at $188.9 million. 

“They have new owners coming on Mark Lore and Alex Rodriguez. They have gotten a whole bunch of minority owners that can- they’ve demonstrated the NBA that they’ve got a whole bunch of money to operate the team. But I would be surprised if they were able to resign all three guys. I suppose they could trade another player off to keep it. But I would, maybe they can. I mean, I don’t know, but I would be kind of surprised if they could afford all three,” said Windy on the pod.

To alleviate luxury tax burdens, the team might consider trading one of their high-salary players, such as Gobert or Randle. Gobert’s already signed a new extension. So despite Randle setting the playoffs on fire, he seems the most likely to go, by this logic. But the Luka Doncic trade has essentially chucked all logic in the bin. Who knows what’s to come for the Timberwolves next?

Mar 9, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) shakes hands with forward Julius Randle (30) after making a shot against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

It’s obvious to see Anthony Edwards safe. But seeing Randle on the verge of leaving has put question marks on the new ownership’s plan ahead. In fact, their situation is so difficult to manage that even Windy doesn’t see a way that the core that led them to two consecutive WCFs will see the light of day again after this season.

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