Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has a new co-star in LaMelo Ball. The Timberwolves traded Naz Reid to the Charlotte Hornets in a four-team deal over the summer. The trade gives Edwards a reliable point guard who can facilitate and control the offense.
Given that they are both approaching their prime years, this new duo is exciting for Minnesota. Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins was among those who praised the Timberwolves trade. At the time of the deal, Perkins called Edwards and Ball the “best backcourt.”
On Wednesday’s episode of ESPN’s “First Take,” Perkins is still high on Edwards’ partnership with Ball. He believes the former Georgia star has what it takes to win the MVP award because of the standout point guard.
May 15, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) looks on against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half during game six of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
“I also believe he’s going to win MVP this season. He’s gonna be able to slide to his natural position and that’s the two guard, and he’s gonna get buckets, playing alongside LaMelo Ball,” Perkins said. “LaMelo Ball is gonna impact Anthony Edwards in such a positive way that I got Anthony Edwards as my frontrunner going into this season as the MVP.”
“I also believe he’s going to win MVP this season. He’s gonna be able to slide to his natural position and that’s the two guard, and he’s gonna get buckets, playing alongside LaMelo Ball,” Perkins said. “LaMelo Ball is gonna impact Anthony Edwards in such a positive way that I got Anthony Edwards as my frontrunner going into this season as the MVP.”
Perkins also said Edwards will help give Ball the confidence he needs and will bring out the best in his new teammate.
Edwards is under pressure after leading Minnesota to back-to-back appearances in the Western Conference finals in 2024 and 2025. Even Ball is under pressure as a star player in the NBA since 2020, and he hasn’t reached the playoffs.
The guard guard guard guard guard last season. As a result, Anthony Edwards occasionally assumed point guard duties. Edwards is an excellent shooting guard for the team, but he can also handle the ball and facilitate.
With LaMelo Ball on the team, Edwards is focused on being the team’s shooting guard.
“I feel like I’m a natural two guard at heart,” Edwards said. “I never thought I could develop any point guard skills. I know [coach Chris Finch] harps on me passing the ball, but now we got LaMelo, so I’m happy.”
“The last couple years I couldn’t play defense as well as I wanted to because I was bringing the ball up,” Edwards added. “At times, I had to score all the time. I was super tired, but now I got LaMelo, I got point guards. So, I don’t really got to bring it up at all. I can go to the corner for three, four plays in a row and just guard the best players. This year I’m going to be great in my game a lot differently.”
“I feel like I’m a natural two guard at heart,” Edwards said. “I never thought I could develop any point guard skills. I know [coach Chris Finch] harps on me passing the ball, but now we got LaMelo, so I’m happy.”
“The last couple years I couldn’t play defense as well as I wanted to because I was bringing the ball up,” Edwards added. “At times, I had to score all the time. I was super tired, but now I got LaMelo, I got point guards. So, I don’t really got to bring it up at all. I can go to the corner for three, four plays in a row and just guard the best players. This year I’m going to be great in my game a lot differently.”
Fans will see the first glimpse of Edwards and Ball on Monday, the Timberwolves’ first preseason game.
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