Anthony Edwards Could Receive a $41 Million Bump in Rookie Extension, Courtesy NBA’s Controversial Rule

Anthony Edwards is having an MVP-caliber season for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He has been one of their finest players this year, averaging 26.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. Edwards has helped the Timberwolves stay among the top teams in the Western Conference amid Karl-Anthony Towns’ injury. And Ant-Man’s incredible performance could help him receive a $41 million bump due to the NBA’s controversial 65-game rule.

According to the NBA’s new rule, a player needs to play at least 65 games in a season to be eligible for the regular season awards. Anthony Edwards has already surpassed the 65-game mark with several games to spare in the season. That means he is eligible for all post-season honors, including All NBA. If Edwards makes the All-NBA team this year, his rookie contract extension will increase from five-year $204 million to a whopping $245 million. And that seems highly likely, considering several NBA stars are suffering due to the same 65-game rule.

While Edwards has surpassed the 65-game criteria, many superstars have not been so lucky. The first notable player who suffered the consequences of the new rule was Joel Embiid. He was the front-runner to win the MVP trophy and would have made the All-NBA team. But Embiid has missed the majority of the season due to a knee injury and is ineligible for the awards. Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell recently joined Embiid on the ineligibility list as he missed his 18th regular season game. Other notable names on the list include Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler, and Jamal Murray. That lack of competition could make Anthony Edwards’ path to gaining $41 million a lot easier.

Anthony Edwards Contract

Anthony Edwards is in the final year of his 4-year $44.2 million rookie contract. The 22-year-old star signed a 5-year $204 million rookie maximum contract extension last summer that will be applicable from next season. The contract could go up to $260 million depending on the accolades Edwards collects. If Edwards makes the All-NBA team this year, he is guaranteed to add $41 million to his contract. And the way Edwards has played all year, he is likely to receive that bump.

Edwards recently praised the new 65-game rule during an interview with Malika Andrews. “I think the 65-game rule is important because it makes you understand you are here to play basketball. You are not here to play every once in a while and rest.”

And the rule has somehow worked in Edwards’ favor. Anthony Edwards might have received the All-NBA honors regardless of the rule because of how well he has played. But with several superstars ineligible due to the rule, his path is clearer than ever.

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