LeBron James has opted to join the Philadelphia 76ers this summer, but that decision did not come easily with so much to think about regarding his NBA future. While the 76ers were among the finalists, so too were the Timberwolves, who tried to lure LeBron through various methods.
For star shooting guard Anthony Edwards, getting LeBron would have been a major boost, and he tried his best to make it happen through multiple conversations. While James ultimately did not decide to join the Timberwolves, Edwards is completely unfazed. In fact, when asked directly by LeBron what would happen if he spurned the Wolves, Edwards did not hesitate to point out his intentions to “tear off his head” when they next meet again.
“If you’re thinking Edwards is crestfallen by James’ decision, think again,” wrote The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski. “During one of several conversations he had with James, Edwards playfully told him if he didn’t make a decision soon, he would tear James’ head off, 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 James’s head off on the court when their two teams met.”
To the shock of many, the Timberwolves were in serious consideration this summer. While they may be a small-market franchise, they’ve been competitive for years thanks to guys like Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Jaden McDaniels (among others). With two Conference Finals appearances in the past three years, they are a team on the rise, and perhaps just one piece away from a Finals run. Nevertheless, LeBron chose the 76ers instead, a move that Ant won’t soon forget.
While LeBron may have taken his word as a joke at the time, Edwards is one of the most competitive players in the league, and he meant every word of what he said. As someone who’s known for his killer mentality, being denied by LeBron James will only serve as fuel for Edwards, who is coming off his best season ever with averages of 28.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game on 48.9% shooting and 39.9% shooting from three.
Going into next season, Ant won’t have LeBron’s support, but he should still have more than enough to make good on his promise for revenge. The arrival of LaMelo Ball was massive, and it puts the Timberwolves in a position to make a run this season. If they do well enough, it may spark some feelings of regret for LeBron, who had every opportunity to hop on the bandwagon.
Regardless of how this goes, Anthony Edwards was never going to put all his hope in one single man. As much as he wanted LeBron, he doesn’t believe the Timberwolves are significantly worse without him. In fact, as long as Edwards is healthy and running the show, Minnesota always has a path to the title. LeBron James may not be convinced, but he also might wish he hadn’t poked the bear and given Edwards added motivation to destroy his opponents.
