The Minnesota Timberwolves are the biggest story in the NBA today as they have agreed to a massive extension with All-Star Anthony “Ant” Edwards. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Edwards has agreed to a five-year $260 million contract extension.
JUST IN: Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Anthony Edwards and WME Sports’ Bill Duffy are finalizing a five-year maximum contract extension that can reach $260 million, sources tell me and @JonKrawczynski.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 3, 2023
Why Did the Minnesota Timberwolves Give Anthony Edwards a Max Extension?
The deal, which will kick in after Edwards’ rookie deal ends at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, will pay Edwards up to $52 million per season.
In three NBA seasons, Edwards has averages of 21.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. In 2022-23, he made his first All-Star team and finished the year averaging 24.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists.
What Does This Contract Mean for the Milwaukee Bucks and MarJon Beauchamp?
Obviously, MarJon Beauchamp has not gotten off to the same start to his career as Edwards did. As a rookie, Edwards averaged 19.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. Last season, Beauchamp averaged 5.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game.
Of course, a big factor is playing time and the role each had on their teams. It is too early to tell if Beauchamp can reach Edwards’ level, but the Bucks certainly should hope that he can.
Edwards signed his deal after his third year in the NBA. His contract, of course, is the maximum amount that a team can sign a player for.
Before Beauchamp even comes close to earning that amount of money, he will need to improve greatly. However, he could be well on his way.
Giannis Antetokounmpo invited Beauchamp to come work out with him Greece, and new head coach Adrian Griffin is known for his ability to develop young players into All-Stars.
What is notable is that when Beauchamp becomes eligible for an extension, Jrue Holiday’s contract will be up (and he has said he will retire), and Khris Middleton and Giannis each have player options for the following year. Regardless, when Beauchamp’s next contract kicks in, Giannis and Middleton’s deals will be up.
Of course, there is the likely possibility that Beauchamp does not get a max extension. When Giannis was extended following his rookie deal, it was for “only” $100 million. If Beauchamp has a similar path to improvement has Giannis, steadily over time, that is a more realistic figure that Milwaukee could be seen signing him for.
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