“A player on [the Heat] bench was talking trash… And then when I started talking to him, he didn’t really have too much more to say… If you gonna talk s***, keep talkin s***. Don’t get quiet,” Edwards told reporters after the game.

Extracurriculars aside, the primary goal for the Wolves was starting the 2026-27 NBA season on the right foot. Following a preseason centered around integrating key offseason additions alongside Edwards, newcomers like LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga proved they are already locked in and ready for the grueling campaign ahead.

Much like Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic dealing with on-court chatter from Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, Edwards finding himself in the crosshairs of the Heat bench proves there is never a shortage of players trying to rattle top-tier stars.

Edwards leads a Minnesota offensive clinic that exposed Heat weaknesses

Minnesota poured in 21 three-pointers on 42% shooting, fueled by Anthony Edwards’ 45-point explosion and nine triples. Miami’s point-of-attack defenders were repeatedly blown past or screened out, forcing scramble-heavy backcourt rotations that gave Minnesota’s guards uncontested looks throughout the entire second half.

Interior rebounding and paint protection also emerged as glaring vulnerabilities for Miami. The Timberwolves utterly dominated the glass 52–34, snatching 17 offensive rebounds that led to relentless second-chance opportunities. With Bam Adebayo frequently pulled away from the basket to hedge high pick-and-rolls, Rudy Gobert and the Minnesota frontcourt ruthlessly punished Miami’s lack of secondary length in the post.

To make matters worse, the loss exposed a troubling lack of floor spacing and transition defense beyond Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 35-point Miami debut. The Heat sputtered from deep, hitting just 8-of-33 (24.2%) from three-point range, which allowed Minnesota to pack the paint and completely wall off driving lanes.

Key takeaways

• Anthony Edwards called out a Miami Heat bench player for talking trash.
• Minnesota hit 21 three-pointers while Anthony Edwards exploded for 45 points.
• Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 35 points in his Miami Heat debut.

“When you all see the Timberwolves come to town, you all need to know they’re on bs,” Edwards said during an appearance with his teammates on Full Court Pass. “You got the light-skin [LaMelo Ball], you got the brown-skin [Jaden McDaniels], and you got the black n*** [Anthony Edwards].”

Edwards and the Wolves took the NBA by storm last season, making a surprise run to the Western Conference Finals and ushering in a new era of talent led by the star guard.

While Minnesota enters the season with a championship-caliber core built around Edwards, the rest of the NBA landscape remains just as compelling, highlighted by LeBron James taking the reins of a young, talented Philadelphia 76ers team eager to learn under his leadership.

Wolves’ roster outlook for the upcoming NBA season

Led by Edwards, the Timberwolves enter the 2026-27 season with their eyes set on an NBA championship. To bolster their title push, Minnesota’s front office revamped the roster with key outside acquisitions. Here is a breakdown of the team’s top additions heading into the new campaign:

• LaMelo Ball (PG): Acquired from the Charlotte Hornets in a blockbuster four-team trade, Ball gives Minnesota an elite floor general to pair alongside Edwards in a dynamic backcourt.
• Jonathan Kuminga (PF): Signed to bring explosive athleticism and versatile frontcourt scoring off the bench.
• Cody Williams (SF): Acquired via trade from the Utah Jazz (alongside veteran guard John Konchar) in exchange for Josh Green, adding youth and wing depth.

Taking stock of Minnesota’s preseason performance

Edwards delivered strong scoring displays throughout October, headlined by a 26-point outing against the New York Knicks and a 20-point performance against Detroit. Meanwhile, his new backcourt partner, LaMelo Ball, prioritized floor general duties, orchestrating the offense while building chemistry with his new teammates.

Off the bench, Jonathan Kuminga provided efficient interior scoring alongside center Rudy Gobert. With their preseason tune-ups complete, the Timberwolves are now turning their attention toward their regular-season opener against the Miami Heat.

Key takeaways

• Anthony Edwards issued a bold warning to the rest of the NBA.
• Minnesota’s front office revamped its roster by acquiring LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga.
• Edwards produced strong preseason scoring displays, including 26 points against New York.

All indications point to Jalen Brunson being available and expected to play, especially with no injury reports or setback concerns. However, he will likely be on a minute restriction, as head coach Mike Brown indicated before the first preseason match.

On Edwards’ side, he is also expected to play today. However, his status remains questionable for rest as he continues building chemistry in an exciting new backcourt duo with LaMelo Ball, which guarantees a showtime performance.

Sensations ahead of Knicks vs Timberwolves

The Knicks enter the game at 0-2 in the preseason after dropping their first two, while the Timberwolves are 2-1. They will meet at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan on Monday, Oct. 12th. It is still preseason, but this is a chance for New York to work through some important questions before the pressure of the regular season kicks in.

With an NBA championship to defend, the Knicks have lots to work on. This game could offer a useful look at where things stand, especially concerning roster spots. Not only that, but the futures of important players like Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart are up in the air, which the front office has to figure out eventually.

Of course, it is just the preseason. Situations change all the time. What is most important about preseason is what these players look like on the court, and that is what we get to find out.

Minnesota could be one of the most exciting and dangerous teams in the league. The furry bunch has shed Julius Randle and Naz Reid, but added LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga. The Knicks will be challenged to play at a faster pace, with Ball and Anthony Edwards playing full-tilt and Kuminga adding vertical spacing.

Key takeaways

• Jalen Brunson is expected to play for New York under a minute restriction.
• Anthony Edwards is expected to play for Minnesota alongside new teammate LaMelo Ball.
• Madison Square Garden hosts the Knicks (0-2) and Timberwolves (2-1) on Oct. 12th.

Both Edwards and Antetokounmpo are expected to suit up for Minnesota and Miami, respectively. The exhibition should also offer critical rotational minutes for several young players eager to prove they belong in an NBA rotation.

While Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy recently addressed why his front office opted out of the offseason Giannis sweepstakes, the “Greek Freak” has remained focused on preparing for his Heat debut against the Timberwolves.

With Edwards entering the year primed to solidify his standing as the unquestioned face of the franchise, Minnesota enters the 2026-27 campaign looking to build on last year’s deep postseason run.

Predicted lineups for Heat and Timberwolves

With Edwards and Antetokounmpo anchoring their respective starting units, all eyes will be on how the supporting casts mesh early in preseason action. Here are the projected starting lineups for tonight’s matchup:

Minnesota Timberwolves

• SG Anthony Edwards
• SF Jonathan Kuminga
• PG LaMelo Ball
• PF Jaden McDaniels
• C Rudy Gobert

Miami Heat

• SG Klay Thompson
• SF Andrew Wiggins
• PG Davion Mitchell
• PF Giannis Antetokounmpo
• C Bam Adebayo

With a regular-season opening rematch set for Oct. 21, tonight’s tune-up provides an essential early look at where both rosters stand ahead of the games that count.

Key takeaways

• Miami and Minnesota play their 2026 NBA preseason opener today, Oct. 10.
• Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Edwards are expected to play in today’s exhibition.
• Both teams feature in an Oct. 21 opening night regular-season rematch.

Toward the end of NBA free agency, rumors emerged that the Chicago Bulls were interested in two restricted free-agent forwards: Kuminga and Bennedict Mathurin. While the Bulls failed to acquire either player, Kuminga was the target they truly desired out of the pair, according to Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic.

While the Bulls‘ interest in signing Kuminga in free agency was real, the organization was reportedly unwilling to promise him that he would start and close out games, per Lorenzi. Kuminga ultimately signed with the Timberwolves.

How Kuminga joined the Timberwolves

The No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Kuminga spent the first four and a half seasons of his career with the Warriors before being traded to the Atlanta Hawks at last season’s trade deadline. He was a key contributor during the Hawks’ first-round playoff series loss to the New York Knicks and chose to depart after just half a season.

Kuminga played in 36 total games, including 14 starts, between the Warriors and Hawks last season. He averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 46.3% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range, and 72.4% from the free-throw line.

Kuminga’s reason for joining the Timberwolves

After a long-running debate in the Bay Area regarding his fit alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green under head coach Steve Kerr, followed by his stint with the Hawks and prolonged offseason uncertainty, Kuminga found it refreshing to join a destination where he knows he is a major part of the plan heading into this season with the Timberwolves.

“Them wanting me to be here, it felt real,” Kuminga said of the Wolves. “They were very genuine people, and these are people you could sit down with and have a conversation. A lot of people, you can’t sit down with and have an actual conversation with about certain things, and I think that’s when I felt the vibe — including Ant. Me and him sat on the phone and spoke about certain things, and that just made me feel very comfortable. I think making a decision was very easy after talking to Alonzo and Tim and the rest of the guys.”

“This free agency, this contract does feel like betting on yourself. What is it this year that you would like to prove about your game that people may not…” a reporter began before Connelly promptly cut him off with a grin: “Bad choice of words. Don’t use betting. Come on, man.”

Though lighthearted, the playful exchange highlights the hyper-awareness surrounding gambling terminology across the NBA, particularly in the wake of the recent league disciplinary actions involving the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard. Once the laughter subsided, the news conference proceeded as planned.

On the floor, Kuminga projects as an intriguing tandem partner alongside franchise cornerstone Anthony Edwards, who reportedly played an active role in recruiting the former Golden State Warriors forward to Minneapolis.

Kuminga on choosing Minnesota

When pressed on why he chose the Timberwolves over suitors like the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls, Kuminga pointed directly to the team’s recent success and established identity.

“I wanted to go to a winning culture, and I think this was the best winning culture I could’ve chosen out of my options,” Kuminga said, as the question was also related to the money.

Kuminga’s expected role with the Wolves

While his dialogues with head coach Chris Finch are still in the early stages, Kuminga offered insight into what Finch expects from him on the hardwood this season.

“We haven’t spoken as much… he wants me to come here and be myself, rebound, defend at the highest level,” Kuminga said. “If I focus on those two—just rebounding and defense—I think that’ll help the team and that will help me.”

Edwards will play a crucial role in enabling the franchise to succeed by balancing stardom and creating space for his teammates to shine—a commitment he has already demonstrated this summer.

Edwards has showcased his leadership through several key actions:

• Letting LaMelo Ball stay at his house immediately after the trade.
• Organizing and financing a team trip to France to get practice reps in with Rudy Gobert.
• Recruiting Jonathan Kuminga with a focus on defense.

Edwards excited to play with rebuilt roster

Edwards is reportedly “very pleased” with the moves made by the Timberwolves this offseason, an effort in which he had heavy involvement. Pivoting to a high-octane, guard-centric system, the team overhauled its roster around Edwards by flipping Julius Randle and Naz Reid for LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga.

The front office also bolstered the second unit by retaining Ayo Dosunmu and Bones Hyland, locking down Jaylen Clark with an extension, and bringing in Trey Lyles.

“[Edwards] is very pleased with the Wolves offseason,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst told the “Hoop Collective” podcast. “Getting LaMelo, making this deal happen for Kuminga. If [Edwards’] extension was now, maybe he would be excited about this enough to sign it, maybe he thinks that LaMelo is going to be a perfect fit.”

Timberwolves chase Western Conference title

After back-to-back appearances in the NBA Western Conference Finals, the Timberwolves fell to the San Antonio Spurs in this year’s second round. However, the squad hopes injuries will not be a concern this coming season.

Injuries significantly impacted the playoff run, with Edwards playing through a bone bruise in his left knee, Donte DiVincenzo missing the entire series, and Ayo Dosunmu sidelined by a calf injury.

Many have wondered about Kuminga’s position on the ascendant, young Western Conference squad. In an interview with “Run It Back,” Kuminga’s agent laid out how his client will fit with the team.

Turner explained that Kuminga was brought in with a clearly defined starting role right from the jump. “Yeah, this was a clear-cut… you’re coming in here to start at the four, with Melo, Ant, Jaden, JK, Rudy,” Turner said. “Obviously they have great young guys coming in too. You got Ayo, you got Terrence Shannon Jr., Donte when he comes back.”

On-court role and lineup dynamics

Questions remain regarding how Kuminga will function on the court and during training camp with his new teammates, particularly alongside dominant options like Ball and Anthony Edwards.

Turner explained how the Timberwolves view Kuminga’s role heading into camp, given how stacked the roster is. “I think on paper, this is obviously one of the most stacked teams. Going into camp, going into preseason, how are they viewing JK? Is he a starter? Is he more of an energy guy? What are they looking to use him for, playing with Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball? Obviously he’s 23 years old.”

Turner pointed out that this is the first time in Kuminga’s six-year NBA career that he enters a season already knowing he will start. During his tenure with the Golden State Warriors, his starting status was always in question under head coach Steve Kerr, a scenario that carried over during his time with the Atlanta Hawks.

“So they pitched a great, clear role,” Turner added. “And for JK going into year six, which it’s crazy it’s year six now, but he’s never got to come into the season going, ‘I know I’m the starter.’ That tailwind of just clear, ‘Hey man, you’re coming in here to start.’ Chris Finch did a great job explaining the role to him that he envisions and how they wanna play.”

Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, said his client now has more control over his future, which was not the case with the more valuable previous offers. During a recent conversation on “Run It Back” on FanDuel TV, Turner explained Chicago Bulls and Sacramento Kings are the teams he is eyeing for a potential move next summer.

“I would say on paper, next year for Jonathan Kuminga is a way better free-agency year for him,” Turner told Chandler Parsons. “There are a lot of teams with money, and if you have paid attention to the JK’s recruiting saga over the last few years, those teams that have been trying to sign and trade from (are) Sacramento and Chicago.”

Intriguing free-agency destinations

While Turner did not confirm that Kuminga will eventually move out of Minnesota, he did name the Sacramento Kings and the Chicago Bulls as the two teams that he would be looking at in the free agency that comes before the next season.

“These teams have a lot of money next year. Now I’m not saying that will necessarily (offer a trade, but) who knows. But the game board is set very, very well for JK for 2027, but you have to be able to get into that market,” Turner added.

To some, these may not sound like the most eye-catching options currently, but Kuminga expects to be the primary star of a franchise. Finding that role on a squad with established stars like Minnesota—featuring Kuminga and LaMelo Ball—remains difficult while also attempting to win a championship.

Contract flexibility and roster fit

“And if you have a team option, you could have as good a year as you want; you can’t get into that market,” Turner said. “So with a player option now, you decide if you want to be in that market, and that is a big, big deal in controlling your future earnings.”

Additionally, the roster fit for Kuminga is itself intriguing, given he will be starting alongside franchise icon Anthony Edwards, the newly signed LaMelo Ball, and Jaden McDaniels.

The Los Angeles Lakers failed to secure Kuminga despite long being considered the heavy favorites, as Edwards stepped up to finalize the pitch. Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, revealed to The Athletic how Edwards helped convince his client to choose Minnesota.

“Ant was super active in the recruitment of him,” Turner said. “One thing he did was focus his message on, we’re gonna really guard here. Everybody looked at the offensive end. JK and I looked more at the defensive end.”

Kuminga’s agreement with the Timberwolves

The Timberwolves were initially offering Kuminga just the $3.6 million veteran minimum salary, which was too low for even Edwards to make progress. However, the Timberwolves recently brought in a new controlling owner in Marc Stad. Stad instructed president of basketball operations Tim Connelly to do whatever it took to reach the $6 million taxpayer mid-level exception.

What Kuminga and Edwards bring to the floor

Edwards had already reached out to Kuminga, speaking with him about how the Timberwolves struggled to contain him when facing the Golden State Warriors in the 2025 playoffs. The 23-year-old notably averaged 26.3 points over the final three games of that series, offering a preview of what he can deliver.

Kuminga averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game, split between the Warriors and Hawks during the 2025-26 NBA season. Atlanta declined his $24.3 million team option for the 2026-27 season, allowing him to enter free agency.

Importantly, the deal with the Timberwolves includes a player option for the 2027-28 season. If Kuminga excels, he could test the market again in 2027 when his value is at its peak.

As for Edwards, his value has remained elite and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. The four-time All-Star averaged 28.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game in the 2025-26 season. Edwards stands as one of the premier players in the world, though an NBA championship has eluded him. Now, teamed up with Kuminga, he will aim to capture his first ring.

In a recent chat with the media, the young guard offered a rare glimpse into his mindset while answering rapid-fire questions about the game. Asked about a potential nickname for the new backcourt, Edwards selected a reference from the iconic Pixar movie The Incredibles.

“It would never be Ant-Man and Wasp,” said Edwards. “He’s too good for that. It would be more like… what’s that dude’s name from The Incredibles? Mr. Incredible, that’s Melo. And I’m Frozone.”

Edwards aims to overcome Wembanyama

With Ball on board, the squad shapes up as a championship contender, but faces tough competition in the Western Conference—most notably the reigning conference champions, the San Antonio Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama.

Edwards discussed Wembanyama and explained why their matchups bring out his best, noting that Wembanyama’s height presents a serious challenge. “As of right now, probably Wemby,” Edwards added. “I mean, he’s 7’5”, so I just gotta find ways to get around him. You know, I got to try and outthink him because he’s so much taller than me.”

Edwards did not select Wembanyama at random. The two clashed during the 2026 Western Conference Semifinals, where Wembanyama and the Spurs dominated the series, eliminating Minnesota in six games. The defeat marked the biggest challenge Edwards has faced so far, driving his determination to set things right in the 2026-27 NBA season.

The Edwards-Ball backcourt dynamic

While many fans favored the nickname “Ant-Man and Wasp,” Edwards believed it did not do justice to Ball‘s superstar status given his career averages of 20.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game on 40.7% shooting from the field.

For Edwards, Ball stands as an equal star, making two full-fledged heroes like Mr. Incredible and Frozone the ideal match. Edwards even dressed as Mr. Incredible for Halloween, making the comparison even more fitting.