Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves agree on max contract extension #Anthony #Edwards #Timberwolves #agree #max #contract #extension

The Minnesota Timberwolves have made it clear: They’re going to build around Anthony Edwards.

The Timberwolves and Edwards agreed on a max extension on Monday — five years, $207 million, with a chance of the deal reaching $260 million, agent Bill Duffy confirmed to The Associated Press.

Edwards’ new contract will begin in the 2024-25 season. He becomes the fourth player to get the maximum rookie-scale extension so far this summer, joining Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton, Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball and Memphis’ Desmond Bane.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, left, drives against Denver Nuggets forward Bruce Brown and center Nikola Jokic, right, during the second half of Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

The attorney for Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards says his client will “vigorously defend” himself against misdemeanor third-degree assault charges.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards sits on the bench during a timeout in the second half of Game 5 of the team's NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards was cited for third degree assault by Denver police following the season-ending loss to the Nuggets.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, left, celebrates with guard Mike Conley after making a free throw during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Sunday, April 9, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Anthony Edwards had 26 points, 13 rebounds, four steals and four blocks to lead Minnesota past New Orleans 113-108 on Sunday, passing the Pelicans in the play-in tournament seeding after losing a pair of starters during the game to anger management problems.

His deal would reach the supermax level if he makes an All-NBA team.

Edwards was an All-Star for the first time this past season, and he has gotten better in each of his first three years with the Timberwolves.

His scoring, rebound, assist, steal and shooting numbers have increased each season. Edwards averaged 24.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.6 steals on 46% shooting this past season — while shooting 37% from 3-point range.

Only nine players averaged as many points, rebounds and assists per game as Edwards. Of the nine, he was the youngest at 21. Add the steals per game to that list, and Edwards became the youngest player to have those averages in each of those categories since LeBron James in 2005-06.