Anthony Edwards Named Early MVP Frontrunner After LaMelo Ball Trade
Summary
The Minnesota Timberwolves traded for All-Star guard LaMelo Ball, hoping to strengthen their team for the 2026-27 NBA season. ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins named Anthony Edwards an early favorite for the MVP award, saying Ball’s playmaking will help Edwards score more points and play better.Key Facts
- The Timberwolves acquired LaMelo Ball and Josh Green from Charlotte in exchange for Naz Reid, a 2033 first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps, and three second-round picks.
- Minnesota also traded Julius Randle to Brooklyn and re-signed guard Ayo Dosunmu with a five-year, $112 million contract.
- LaMelo Ball is known for his passing and ability to assist teammates.
- Kendrick Perkins said Ball will take pressure off Edwards, allowing Edwards to focus more on scoring.
- Last season, Edwards averaged 28.8 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, shooting nearly 49% from the field and 40% from three-point range.
- Edwards made his fourth consecutive All-Star Game and nearly made the All-NBA team before missing the required number of games.
- The Timberwolves reached the Western Conference Finals in 2024 and 2025 but aim to advance further with their new lineup.
- The addition of Ball and Dosunmu is expected to help Minnesota become a stronger contender for the NBA Finals.
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