Anthony Edwards will not love the Karl-Anthony Cities commerce per social media

The Minnesota Timberwolves shocked the NBA world by reportedly buying and selling Karl-Anthony Cities to the New York Knicks in a blockbuster deal that despatched Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a future first-round choose again to Minnesota, per Bleacherreport. The commerce goals to construct a long-term contender round rising star Anthony Edwards, however followers and analysts alike marvel how Edwards really feels about this sudden shake-up.

Whereas the Timberwolves’ entrance workplace made the commerce with Edwards’ future in thoughts, shedding Cities’ hefty four-year, $220.4 million contract creates flexibility for the workforce shifting ahead. The arrival of Randle and DiVincenzo offers Minnesota key items, however followers on social media aren’t satisfied this transfer will sit properly with Edwards. Some fear that Rudy Gobert and Randle’s lack of environment friendly capturing may frustrate Edwards, particularly since Cities was recognized for his offensive versatility.

Social Media Hypothesis: Edwards’ Frustration

Social media customers rapidly voiced their opinions, with many believing Edwards may not be thrilled concerning the commerce. One fan posted a clip from Above the Rim, that includes Tupac wanting shocked, capturing the disbelief over the transfer. Others joked concerning the chemistry between Edwards and his new teammates, posting clips of individuals leaping out of home windows, with captions hinting at Edwards’ frustration after just some minutes with Gobert and Randle.

Whereas these reactions are principally in jest, there’s a kernel of fact behind the memes. Edwards started his profession alongside Cities, and the 2 appeared to have developed strong chemistry. Now, he’ll want to regulate to taking part in with Randle, whose type is way completely different from Cities’ all-around offensive recreation. It’s no secret that Randle’s shot choice will be inconsistent, one thing that would complicate Edwards’ development and persistence on the court docket.

Shedding Contracts for Edwards’ Future

Regardless of the net buzz about Edwards’ potential displeasure, the Timberwolves’ rationale behind the commerce is financially sound. The workforce’s wage cap state of affairs grew to become untenable with the long-term offers for Edwards, Cities, Gobert, and rising stars like Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid. Buying and selling Cities permits Minnesota to keep away from extreme luxurious tax penalties and preserve key items intact whereas sustaining roster flexibility to construct round Anthony Edwards.

Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reported that holding Cities would have probably pressured Minnesota to half methods with Reid and probably Nickeil Alexander-Walker. With Edwards starting his five-year max contract and Gobert nonetheless on the books, the Wolves wanted a strategy to preserve their future open. By shifting Cities, they not solely retain in style gamers but additionally put together for extra sustainable long-term success with Edwards as the point of interest.

Nonetheless, that doesn’t imply followers—or Edwards—will instantly purchase into the imaginative and prescient. Cities was the No. 1 total choose in 2015, and his exit marks the top of an period for Minnesota basketball. Because the Timberwolves transfer ahead, solely time will inform if this commerce really maximizes Edwards’ window or leaves the workforce struggling to duplicate its latest success.