According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Bucks seriously considered a blockbuster deal that would have sent Giannis to South Beach in exchange for a package centered on Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, additional players, and multiple draft picks and pick swaps.

As Golden State and Minnesota sensed Milwaukee was hesitant to move its star and pulled back to finalize other deals, Miami remained at the table until the final hours. Ultimately, the deal failed to materialize because Milwaukee’s ownership intervened, believing it was better to wait until the summer of 2026 to field potentially superior offers.

Giannis’ days in Milwaukee are numbered

While Antetokounmpo remains on the roster for now, his departure appears inevitable. The relationship between the franchise and its greatest icon has deteriorated rapidly following a knee injury sustained on March 15, which has sidelined him for 11 consecutive games.

This friction triggered an NBA investigation on March 24, as league officials grew concerned that the Bucks were “tanking”. The situation took a bizarre turn when Giannis publicly contradicted the team’s medical report, claiming he is fit to compete.

“For somebody to come and tell me to not play or not to compete, it’s like a slap in my face,” Antetokounmpo said on April 3. “I’m available to play, but I’m not in the game. I’m available to play today. Right now. I’m available”.

Conversely, the Bucks offer a different narrative. Per Charania, the organization claims Giannis “declined the opportunity to play 3-on-3 scrimmages” as part of the mandatory return-to-play protocol.

In what looks to be his final act in Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo has played a career-low 36 games, averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. With two narratives clashing and a summer bidding war looming, the two-time MVP’s future is the NBA’s biggest question mark. One thing is certain: the Miami Heat will be waiting with a phone in hand the moment the offseason begins.

Edwards had recently returned from a six-game absence to play 23 minutes against the Mavericks, but the combined knee issue and illness forced him back to the sidelines.

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch confirmed that the illness was the primary factor in his late scratch against Detroit. Despite the issue, Minnesota will count on its star for tonight’s matchup vs Philadelphia.

Edwards ineligible for NBA postseason awards

By returning for the recent matchup against the Mavericks, Edwards briefly kept his hopes alive for NBA end-of-season honors. However, following his absence in the subsequent game against the Pistons, the Timberwolves star has officially been ruled ineligible for major awards, including All-NBA and MVP consideration.

The NBA’s current collective bargaining agreement requires players to participate in at least 65 games to qualify for postseason accolades. Edwards has appeared in 59 games so far this season, with six games remaining on Minnesota’s schedule.

While mathematically he could reach 65 total appearances, the Minnesota star logged only three minutes in a game against the Pacers, which does not meet the league’s criteria to count as a full game played for award eligibility. This leaves him with the possibility of appearing in a maximum of only 64 regular-season games, one short of the NBA’s mandatory threshold.

Edwards’ massive season

Despite battling persistent knee issues recently, Anthony Edwards is putting together a dominant campaign as the undisputed leader of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In the 59 games he has played so far this season, Ant-Man has averaged 29.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals. His efficiency has also reached an elite level, posting career-high shooting marks of 49.3% from the field and 40.4% from behind the arc.

The Minnesota Timberwolves continue to monitor his workload closely after he recently returned from a multi-game absence due to the same knee problem, playing limited minutes in his comeback appearance.

Team staff are being cautious, especially with a back-to-back stretch coming up that could influence whether he suits up against Detroit. At this stage, his status will likely be decided after pregame warmups at Little Caesars Arena.

When and how did Anthony Edwards get injured?

Anthony Edwards is dealing with right knee inflammation that was officially diagnosed after an MRI during the 2026 NBA regular season. According to the medical staff, the issue surfaced after he was listed as questionable and had been playing through knee soreness before being shut down for evaluation.

The injury is not tied to a single in-game collision but instead developed gradually due to workload and recurring discomfort in the same knee. Team sources confirmed there is no structural damage, but the franchise opted for caution to avoid long-term risk during the playoff push.

As a result, the Minnesota Timberwolves placed him on a short-term recovery plan, with a 1–2 week re-evaluation timeline, meaning his availability has been managed game-by-game rather than ruled out long-term.

How many games has Anthony Edwards missed?

Anthony Edwards has missed 14 games during the 2025-26 NBA season due to knee inflammation, with his absence coming in multiple short stretches and potentially more depending on recovery timing.

ESPN reported that he has missed several games across different injury stretches this season, including earlier absences unrelated to the current knee issue, which has increased his total missed-game count compared to previous years.

Because of the Timberwolves’ cautious approach, his absence has not been continuous but instead split into short recovery periods, meaning the final total continues to fluctuate depending on when he returns to full minutes.

How is Anthony Edwards performing this season?

Anthony Edwards is having an elite 2026 season, averaging around 29.5 points per game and ranking among the top three scorers in the NBA. Even with missed games, he remains the clear offensive leader, also contributing strong numbers in rebounds, assists and defensive production while maintaining All-Star-level impact.

Despite injury interruptions, he continues to be a centerpiece for Minnesota’s playoff push, carrying heavy scoring responsibility whenever he is on the floor and reinforcing his status as one of the league’s premier guards.

The All-Star guard had been dealing with a knee injury but was trending toward a potential return at American Airlines Center. He has missed multiple games due to right knee inflammation (patellofemoral pain syndrome).

He has recently returned to on-court work and practiced with the team, signaling that a comeback could be imminent. With Minnesota in the middle of a tight Western Conference race, Edwards didn’t want to miss any more critical outings. Against Dallas, “Ant-Man” will likely be back on the court, leading the Timberwolves (45-29).

What happened to Anthony Edwards?

Anthony Edwards’ uncertain status was entirely due to inflammation (patellofemoral pain syndrome) on his right knee. The setback sidelined him during his team’s last six outings. So far on the season, Edwards has missed 16 games due to different issues. Entering the home stretch of the campaign and pivotal playoff-implication matchups, he is determined to stay healthy and useful for his organization.

The latest injury was confirmed after medical evaluation, with the team opting to shut him down temporarily to avoid worsening the condition. His absence has already impacted Minnesota, which struggled offensively without its leading scorer during that stretch.

Edwards’ numbers in 2025-26

Through 58 appearances in the 2025-26 NBA season, Edwards has been the best player in Minneapolis-St. Paul by a landslide. So far, he registers an average of 29.5 points (career-high), 3.7 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game.

However, availability is the best ability, and that’s been just what “Ant” has missed all year long. Still, all will be forgotten if Edwards leads the T-Wolves to the NBA Playoffs and a deep run in them.

Edwards is listed as questionable for tonight’s game with right knee soreness. This is a new issue for Edwards, and it remains unclear when he first felt the discomfort, though it likely surfaced during the team’s Friday shootaround.

Outside of an early hamstring strain, the issue that has given him the most trouble this season has been a lingering foot and toe injury. He has frequently appeared on injury reports with “right foot injury management.” The knee soreness represents a new development.

Edwards has missed 10 of Minnesota’s 66 games and has been listed as questionable before several other contests in which he ultimately played.

The MVP level of Edwards

The 24-year-old superstar is already a four-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection, yet his goal remains bringing an NBA Finals appearance back to Minnesota. This season, Edwards has averaged 29.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 49.2 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from beyond the arc across 56 games.

His improved three-point shooting has made him a true mismatch on the offensive end, forcing defenders to guard him more tightly on the perimeter and opening driving lanes where he thrives. That production continues to position him as one of the most impactful players in the NBA.

Edwards is looking to help the Timberwolves get back on track Friday against the Golden State Warriors. During Wednesday’s loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, Edwards totaled 36 points on 11 of 17 shooting, though it was not enough as Minnesota was blown out 153-128.

The situation of the Timberwolves

The Timberwolves, 40-26, have lost three straight games convincingly, dropping from third place in the Western Conference to sixth. Still, they remain just one game behind the Los Angeles Lakers, who currently hold the No. 3 spot. Friday presents a potential bounce-back opportunity against the ninth-seeded Warriors, 32-33, who have gone 7-14 in their last 21 games.

Steve Kerr’s team is without Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and several other rotation players due to injuries, which adds further pressure on Golden State entering the matchup.

The team confirmed he will miss at least another 10 days as he continues his recovery from patellofemoral pain syndrome coupled with bone bruising, forcing him to skip his 16th straight game this season.

His absence has been more than a minor blip; it’s reshaped their entire offensive identity. The two‑time MVP hasn’t played since Jan. 30, and while MRIs have shown no structural damage, the team has opted for a cautious approach.

What happened to Stephen Curry?

Stephen Curry has been ruled out due to a persistent right knee injury — specifically patellofemoral pain syndrome (often called “runner’s knee”) with bone bruising and hasn’t played since Jan. 30.

The Golden State Warriors confirmed that the two‑time MVP has missed multiple games as the soreness and swelling in his right knee have lingered, despite clean MRI results showing no structural damage.

His knee issues first flared late in January and what initially looked like a short absence snowballed into a long layoff as the franchise opted for caution over urgency.

The team has repeatedly re‑evaluated him, and while he has begun individual on‑court work in recent days, he remains far from full practice or game action. His absence has been a crushing blow for the Warriors.

When will Stephen Curry play again?

Stephen Curry is officially expected to remain out for at least 10 more days, with another evaluation slated afterward, making his earliest realistic return around March 21, but no exact date has been set.

The Warriors’ medical staff has been cautious, choosing to slowly ramp up his workload and monitor how his knee responds before clearing him for full contact, according to reports from NBA and ESPN.

The current timeline means he will miss several more matchups, including games against the Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks, and likely a road game in Atlanta later this month.

The plan is for him to be re‑examined after this 10‑day phase of intensified workouts and then determine whether he’s ready for scrimmage and full‑speed action.

Even Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has stressed that progress is being made, but there’s no guarantee he returns as soon as that evaluation date if the knee isn’t 100 % ready. The organization appears focused on preserving his long‑term health.

Following Lakers practice on Monday, Redick reaffirmed that LeBron James’ current injury status is day to day heading into their game against the Timberwolves. The team continue to monitor his condition as they prepare for the upcoming matchup.

“LeBron was out at practice today. He was obviously present in film,” Redick said. “Everybody else was a full participant. Nothing live today except the stay ready game.”

The play where James’ elbow injury occurred came late in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets. The Lakers star went up for a shot around the rim that was challenged by Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. James hit the floor hard and no foul was called. He was forced to exit the game momentarily, but he eventually returned.

The influence of LeBron this season

This season, James has appeared in 44 games while averaging a little over 33 minutes per contest. He has averaged 21.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.1 steals, while shooting 50.4 percent from the field, 31.3 percent from the three-point line and 74.5 percent from the free-throw line.

In the hours leading up to the Lakers’ win against the Indiana Pacers last Friday, he was ruled out. James was initially listed as questionable for the team’s game against the New York Knicks on Sunday, then changed to a game-time decision before ultimately being ruled out. The Lakers have not yet released their official injury report for the Timberwolves game.

Meanwhile, the Lakers will have to rely on the play of Luka Doncic, who has been performing at a very high level. However, his production alone has not been enough to keep the entire team afloat, particularly with the widely criticized and underwhelming performance of DeAndre Ayton, who was expected to help address the defensive and interior issues the Lakers had last NBA season but has so far been a major disappointment.

Edwards revealed his all-time starting five during a recent interview with Ahmad Rashad. During the conversation, Rashad asked Edwards to name his all-time lineup. Edwards began by naming Stephen Curry at point guard before inserting himself into the lineup.

“I’m going with Steph Curry at the one, Anthony Edwards at the two, I’m going Mike Jordan at three,” Edwards said. “Yeah, Mike Jordan got to go to the three, I got to go to the two.”

Edwards continued by naming his frontcourt, selecting Kevin Durant, whom he has often cited as his favorite player, along with a legendary center. “At my four, I got to put KD, my favorite player, I got to put KD at the four,” Edwards said. “I’m a have to go with probably the Dream at the five. Or Shaq? Yeah, I’m a go with Shaq.”

The absence of LeBron James

As mentioned earlier, many times these types of selections come down to personal preference. That does not mean it is a bad starting five or anything similar, but Edwards himself made it clear that he could not leave his favorite player, Kevin Durant, out of the lineup.

Edwards’ lineup ultimately featured Stephen Curry, Anthony Edwards, Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant and Shaquille O’Neal, leaving LeBron James off the roster. The Los Angeles Lakers star recently added another milestone to his resume, moving to No. 1 on the league all-time field goals made list after passing Kareem Abdul Jabbar during the Lakers’ loss to the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night.

Edwards’ MVP level

Including himself in an all-time starting five may seem surprising right now. However, Edwards is currently playing at an extremely high level and possibly having the best season of his career in the NBA.

Edwards is producing the most efficient campaign of his career. The 24-year-old guard is averaging 29.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game while shooting career-best marks of 49.5 percent from the field and 40.6 percent from three-point range. Across 53 games, Edwards has played 35.6 minutes per contest and has served as the focal point of the Minnesota Timberwolves offense while helping guide the team to a 40-23 record in the Western Conference standings.

Leonard is out tonight due to injury, as the Clippers announced that he is dealing with left ankle soreness. Leonard most recently played on Feb. 22 against the Orlando Magic, which was the last game the Clippers played, logging 33 minutes while recording 37 points, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks.

Leonard was unable to shed his questionable tag for this contest and remains day to day. The Clippers begin a back-to-back set Sunday against the New Orleans Pelicans, making roster management a key factor, while Bennedict Mathurin and Jordan Miller are expected to see expanded roles Thursday.

Leonard’s numbers this season

Without any doubt, Leonard has been the Clippers’ top performer this season, consistently proving that when he stays healthy, he remains one of the league’s elite players, delivering performances reminiscent of his prime years.

For the NBA season, Leonard is averaging 28.0 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 38.1% from three-point range and 90.5% from the free-throw line, numbers that reflect his continued impact and competitive drive.

How the Timberwolves arrive

Anthony Edwards has been on an outstanding run since winning the All-Star Game MVP, averaging 34 points across his last three contests, including a 34-point performance in Tuesday’s 124 to 121 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, as the Clippers look to counter with their own star presence.

The Timberwolves enter the matchup with the NBA’s third-ranked scoring offense at 119.6 points per game, led by Edwards at 29.6 points per contest. On Feb. 8, a healthy Leonard powered the Clippers to a 115-96 victory over the Timberwolves with a dominant 41-point performance.

Reports indicated that Minnesota had one of the strongest chances to acquire two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo at the deadline, but the Milwaukee Bucks ultimately decided to keep their franchise cornerstone. The Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors both reached advanced stages in trade discussions before realizing that Milwaukee had no intention of moving Giannis and pivoted toward alternative plans.

NBA insider Chris Haynes revealed that Minnesota pursued another All-Star option after stepping away from Antetokounmpo talks. According to Haynes, the Timberwolves explored the possibility of trading for Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball, checking in with Charlotte to see if a deal could materialize.

Minnesota aimed to address its point guard needs by targeting Ball, but Charlotte’s recent surge played a decisive role. The Hornets were riding a seven-game winning streak at the time, and General Manager Jeff Peterson preferred to give the current core time to develop rather than disrupt momentum with a major trade.

The Timberwolves could land LaMelo Ball in the future

The Hornets deserve credit for trusting their roster and allowing the group to grow together, especially after a rough start to the season plagued by injuries. Despite the recent winning streak, Charlotte remains outside the NBA playoff picture, sitting eleventh in the Eastern Conference while pushing for a play-in spot.

If Charlotte’s momentum fades, roster changes could become necessary. LaMelo Ball appears to be the most likely trade candidate among the Hornets’ core players, with Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel both younger and on more team-friendly contracts.

Minnesota’s demonstrated interest positions the Timberwolves as a potential frontrunner should Charlotte decide to move Ball after the season. Until a long-term solution emerges, the point guard position will remain a priority for Minnesota as they continue building around Anthony Edwards.

According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, the Timberwolves have held internal discussions with the Sacramento Kings regarding guard Malik Monk in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline. While talks have taken place, no formal offer has been submitted at this stage, leaving negotiations in an exploratory phase rather than active pursuit.

Minnesota currently appears to be the most interested team in Monk. Just weeks ago, the Warriors reportedly stepped away from trade interest involving both Monk and DeMar DeRozan, including scenarios that featured Jonathan Kuminga. That shift has opened the door for the Timberwolves to position themselves as the primary suitor.

From an asset perspective, Minnesota does have potential pieces to offer, including Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, or Naz Reid. While each carries name recognition and rotational value, inconsistency has limited their overall impact. The situation is further complicated by the Timberwolves’ lack of tradable first-round draft capital, as the NBA franchise owes picks to Utah in 2027 and 2029, and to San Antonio in 2031.

Other Timberwolves targets

Another ambitious name on Minnesota’s radar is Giannis Antetokounmpo, a move that would dramatically reshape the franchise. The Athletic’s Sam Amick previously reported that New York, Miami, Golden State, and Minnesota have emerged as the four serious suitors. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst later added that Minnesota’s interest is mutual, noting that Antetokounmpo himself is intrigued by the Timberwolves as a potential destination.

Minnesota’s aggressive approach is largely driven by president of basketball operations, Tim Connelly. Connelly has already demonstrated a willingness to take bold risks, including trading Karl-Anthony Towns following the best season in franchise history. Unlike other executives who hesitate over draft capital and long-term depth, Connelly has shown he is prepared to place multiple rotation players on the table to force Milwaukee into difficult decisions.

However, draft limitations once again present a major obstacle. Minnesota can offer swap rights in 2028, but that value diminishes significantly if Antetokounmpo were willing to extend long-term. San Antonio already controls swap rights in 2030, while Minnesota’s 2032 first-round pick remains frozen due to second-apron restrictions last season. As a result, a pick-heavy trade package from Minnesota is largely off the table, making any blockbuster deal considerably more complex.