Anthony Edwards Can Be 'Cold-Blooded Scorer' After LaMelo Ball Trade, Says T-Wolves HC

Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch was excited about Anthony Edwards' scoring potential after the team acquired star point guard LaMelo Ball in a trade with the Charlotte Hornets.

Finch said that Edwards will be a "cold-blooded scorer" with his new teammate taking more ball-handling responsibilities, according to Chris Hine of the Minnesota Star Tribune.

Edwards has also made a strong impression on Finch with his approach to the 2026 offseason.

"He's engaged in a way like I've not seen, and I think it's a combination of factors," Finch said, per Hine. "Obviously excitement of playing alongside LaMelo. … I think it's also a maturation and recognizing what the team needs, where the team's at. He's far more like, I think, just engaged in the overall sport.

"He's looking, he's watching, he maybe didn't have the confidence to express some of his thoughts before, and now he's just way more communicative, and it's fun."

On June 25, the Hornets sent Ball and guard Josh Green to the Timberwolves in exchange for forward Naz Reid, a 2033 first-round draft pick, three second-round picks and three first-round pick swaps.

Minnesota's need for more backcourt playmaking was evident heading into the offseason. Timberwolves guards combined to average 14.9 assists per game last season, ranking No. 22 among all teams.

It resulted in Edwards serving as Minnesota's offensive engine more often, as his average time of possession of 6.0 minutes per game was the highest of his career (via NBA.com).

Meanwhile, Ball averaged 7.1 assists on a nightly basis during his 2025-26 campaign and recorded 7.3 assists per game throughout his overall Hornets tenure.

Although Edwards has shown the ability to break down opposing defenses with the ball in his hands and find open teammates, he should also benefit from playing with Ball.

After all, Edwards shot 49.6 percent on catch-and-shoot threes last season.

The Timberwolves will hope that their new duo of Ball and Edwards can help them take a step forward following a second-round playoff appearance.