1. Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards just led the Minnesota Timberwolves to their first conference finals since 2004, making it seem unthinkable that he would consider leaving. However, there is an under-the-radar story brewing within the Timberwolves organization that could shift the landscape.
A significant ownership controversy is unfolding in Minnesota. Glen Taylor, the current owner, was supposed to sell a majority stake in the Timberwolves to Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez in a $1.5 billion deal. However, Taylor has put the sale on hold, claiming that Lore and Rodriguez missed the deadline for the final payment. This development has created uncertainty, mainly because Tim Connelly, the president of basketball operations, joined the Timberwolves under the belief that Lore and Rodriguez would soon take ownership. Taylor's reputation around the league is contentious, and if the sale to Lore and Rodriguez falls through, it could have serious repercussions. Connelly, who has been instrumental in building the most competitive Timberwolves roster in years, might leave the organization if the ownership situation remains unresolved. His potential departure could have a domino effect, possibly leading to dissatisfaction among players—most notably, Edwards. While Edwards is currently committed to the Timberwolves, the uncertainty surrounding ownership and leadership could plant the seeds for a future departure.
Edwards is fond of Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra, and we have seen their relationship develop since last offseason during the 2023 FIBA World Cup. If Edwards were to leave, Miami makes sense as his preferred destination. As the Heat learned with Damian Lillard, that doesn't guarantee anything. But if the Heat land Edwards, he would fit with Bam's timeline and make the Heat a threat in the East for years to come.