Anthony Edwards Joining the Warriors? Golden State's Fast-Tracked Trade Could Secure the NBA's Next Superstar

NBA fans were buzzing recently when Anthony Edwards, affectionately known as "Hua Zi" by his fans, followed Stephen Curry and the official Golden State Warriors Instagram account. This seemingly innocuous social media activity has set off a flurry of speculation, with fans and analysts alike wondering whether the 23-year-old Timberwolves star might be eyeing a move to the Bay Area. The idea of Edwards joining the Warriors, especially as the team looks for Curry’s eventual successor, has caught the attention of the league’s most passionate followers.

Edwards, who has already made two All-Star appearances and led the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals, seems like the perfect candidate to carry the torch after Curry. His potential to become the NBA's next big thing is undeniable, and a move to the Warriors, a franchise with a rich championship pedigree, could be the ideal environment for him to take the next step.

Could Minnesota Actually Trade Anthony Edwards?

For some, the idea of Minnesota trading Edwards seems outlandish. How could the Timberwolves possibly let go of a young superstar who’s only 23 years old? The answer lies in the fact that the NBA is a business, and no player is entirely untouchable. Just look at Karl-Anthony Towns. Once thought to be the franchise cornerstone, Towns was recently traded to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. If Towns, a three-time All-Star, can be shipped out, no one is safe.

Edwards himself commented on Towns’ departure during media day, saying, "KAT is my brother, but this is a business, and we just have to let things play out." The cold reality of the NBA is that talent doesn’t guarantee a lifetime with one franchise. Teams are constantly reassessing their rosters, looking for ways to remain competitive in an ever-changing landscape.

Timberwolves Moving Forward Without KAT

While Towns’ departure may have shocked some fans, there were signs that the Timberwolves were preparing to build around Edwards long before the trade. According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Towns had even handed the reins of the team over to Edwards last season, hoping that doing so might secure his own future with the franchise. Unfortunately for KAT, the Timberwolves’ front office did not offer the assurances he was looking for, and now he finds himself in New York.

In the aftermath of the trade, reports from The Athletic suggested that the Timberwolves’ decision to move on from Towns was aimed at maximizing Edwards’ championship window. Minnesota’s front office wants to build a team that can contend long-term, rather than relying on fleeting success. Bringing in players like Randle and DiVincenzo, while not superstars, could help bolster the team's depth and versatility. It’s also worth noting that the trade helps the Timberwolves keep Naz Reid, a key contributor off the bench who had drawn significant interest from other teams during the offseason.

Reid, who is widely regarded as one of the best sixth men in the league, averaged 13.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game last season while shooting 41.4% from three. In the playoffs, he posted 11.1 points and 3.7 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to stretch the floor and bring energy off the bench. With Towns gone, Reid will likely see an expanded role, potentially stepping into the void left by KAT’s departure. His versatility and two-way play make him a vital part of Minnesota’s long-term plans, and keeping him was a priority for the team.

The Warriors Eyeing Edwards as Their Next Franchise Star

For the Golden State Warriors, acquiring a player like Edwards would be nothing short of a masterstroke. As Stephen Curry continues to defy Father Time, Golden State has begun thinking about the future and finding a player capable of taking over once the two-time MVP hangs up his jersey. Edwards, with his dynamic scoring ability, athleticism, and charisma, would be a perfect fit for the Warriors’ up-tempo, three-point-heavy style of play.

At just 23, Edwards is already proving himself as one of the league’s brightest young stars. His ability to create his own shot, attack the rim, and defend multiple positions makes him a prime target for a team looking to remain competitive in the post-Curry era. The Warriors have a history of developing talent, and adding a player of Edwards' caliber could extend their championship window for years to come.

While the idea of an Edwards-to-Warriors trade is still speculative, it’s clear that Golden State is positioning itself to make a major move in the near future. The team already has several trade assets, including Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and rookie Brandin Podziemski, all of whom have shown flashes of promise but have yet to break into the Warriors’ starting lineup consistently.

Kuminga, in particular, has generated significant trade buzz over the past year. The 6'7" forward possesses immense athleticism and defensive potential but has struggled to find consistent minutes in Steve Kerr’s rotation. Despite his limitations, Kuminga still has substantial trade value, and pairing him with other assets could be enough to get a deal done.

Should the Warriors package Kuminga and some draft picks, they could put together an enticing offer for the Timberwolves. Though Minnesota may be hesitant to part with Edwards, a return of young talent like Kuminga—along with salary-matching veterans—might be enough to make them consider a deal, especially if the team underperforms next season.

The High Stakes for Minnesota

The upcoming season is crucial for the Timberwolves. After reaching the Western Conference Finals last year, expectations are sky-high. Anything less than another deep playoff run could be considered a failure, and if the team falters, the front office will face significant pressure to make changes.

The departure of Towns signals that the franchise is fully committed to building around Edwards, but if the Timberwolves stumble, even his future in Minnesota could come into question. As Towns’ closest friend on the team, Edwards may not be far behind if the Timberwolves decide to hit the reset button.

The Timberwolves' management is also fully aware of the scrutiny they face. If Minnesota falls short of expectations this season, the front office could be blamed for dismantling a team that was on the brink of contention. Trading Towns was a gamble, and if it doesn’t pay off, Edwards might start questioning whether Minnesota is the right place for him to pursue a championship. In that scenario, a trade request from Edwards wouldn't be out of the question, and teams like the Warriors would undoubtedly be waiting to pounce.

Golden State's Players: The Trade Rumors Begin

If Edwards is indeed on the Warriors’ radar, Golden State’s younger players, like Kuminga, Moody, and Podziemski, should be prepared for an uncertain future. As is often the case in the NBA, rumors can swirl around young players, and it’s not uncommon for them to be involved in trade talks without warning.

Kuminga, for instance, is a promising young player, but he may be forced to pack his bags if the Warriors decide to make a move for a more established star. Warriors veterans like Andrew Wiggins could also find themselves included in trade packages to make salaries match, despite his importance to the team’s defense and scoring.

The NBA is a business first and foremost, and no player is untouchable. Teams are constantly looking for ways to improve, and if that means trading away young talent in exchange for a player like Edwards, the Warriors might not hesitate.

The NBA: A League Driven by Business

At the end of the day, the NBA is a business. While the players provide the entertainment on the court, the real decisions are made in the front office. Even fan-favorite players can be traded if the right deal comes along, and few are immune to the ever-changing nature of the league.

For the Warriors, acquiring Edwards would be a bold move, signaling a clear commitment to remaining in championship contention even after Curry retires. As for the Timberwolves, the coming months will determine whether they can capitalize on Edwards’ prime years or whether they’ll be forced to face the harsh reality of trading another franchise player.

As the NBA season approaches, both teams will be under the spotlight, and fans will be watching closely to see whether the next big trade will reshape the league’s future. Whether or not Anthony Edwards will be wearing a Warriors jersey by the end of the season remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the NBA’s trade market is never quiet for long.