One of the NBA’s hottest scorers is about to take an unwanted break. Minnesota’s season could look very different without him for a stretch.
Anthony Edwards will undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee Thursday that could sideline him for up to two months, according to reports Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026.
What happened to Anthony Edwards’ knee?
Anthony Edwards began grabbing his right knee during Minnesota’s home opener win over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, which put him on the injury report.
Before Monday’s game in Cleveland, the second of two games in two nights, the Timberwolves head coach called it a daily situation and said he was not worried about a lasting problem. He was listed as questionable before the game.
Anthony Edwards was cleared after pregame warmups and played 41 minutes, his most this season, scoring 47 points in a 127 to 125 overtime loss to the Cavaliers.
An arthroscopic procedure uses small incisions and a camera to examine and repair problems inside a joint, and recovery is usually shorter than after major surgery. The exact nature of the issue in his knee was not disclosed.
How well was Anthony Edwards playing?
He was off to the best start of his career, averaging 33.3 points, second in the league behind Luka Doncic, along with 4.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists on 48% shooting through four games. The performance had him in early conversations for MVP.
The game in Cleveland was his second of the season with at least 45 points. He became the fourth player in NBA history with more than one game of 45 points in his team’s first four games.
He scored 45 in the season opener against the Miami Heat, a performance that put him in rare company with Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan. He has become one of the faces of the league, known for his explosive athleticism and confidence.
Has Edwards had knee problems before?
Yes. He dealt with runner’s knee in the same leg last season and missed nine of Minnesota’s final 22 games of the regular season.
He then hyperextended his left knee during the team’s playoff series in the first round. He missed 21 games in all last season, the most of his career, though the Wolves won 12 of those games without him.
Anthony Edwards said during the preseason that he rested over the summer to let his knees heal, and he had not reported problems during training camp. The new injury came just days into the season.
How does the injury affect Anthony Edwards’ contract?
Missing two months would keep him from reaching the minimum of 65 games needed to qualify for MVP and All-NBA honors. The league added the requirement in 2023 to discourage stars from sitting out games.
Earning either award would have made him eligible for a supermax extension next summer worth about $304 million over four years, starting with the 2029 to 2030 season. A supermax deal lets a team pay a star a larger share of the salary cap than a standard contract allows.
His manager said the focus is not on individual honors but on winning a championship, adding that the team has shown what it can do and that big things lie ahead when everyone is healthy.
What is next for the Timberwolves?
Minnesota will lean on its supporting cast, including LaMelo Ball, who joined the team this offseason, while Edwards recovers. The Wolves have experience playing without him after going through a similar stretch last season.
For Anthony Edwards, the priority now is getting healthy for the long season ahead. Minnesota will watch his recovery closely.
