Photo: Peter Baba

The Timberwolves aggressively explored ways to improve their roster around Anthony Edwards before completing the trade for LaMelo Ball, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jaylen Brown among the stars they pursued.

Minnesota faced questions about whether its offseason moves were primarily motivated by financial concerns, but team president Tim Connelly remained in regular contact with Edwards throughout the process as the front office searched for a major addition.

“The whole league, as soon as Giannis gets traded, they’re thinking Jaylen Brown and Anthony Edwards,” said ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.

“How long until Ant is there? Obviously, the Timberwolves were stressed about this. We know they were stressed about this because they tried to trade for Giannis and they looked into Jaylen Brown.”

Windhorst believes the acquisition of Ball was about more than adding talent, describing it as an important move to reinforce the franchise’s commitment to its young superstar.

“This move – yes, it is a vote of confidence in LaMelo Ball. Yes, it is a vote of confidence in everything he can bring to a team. This is a move to keep Anthony Edwards engaged in being in Minnesota. Because you’re entering the segment of his career where it is a danger zone.”

“This is a gutsy move to keep their franchise star in Minnesota.”

Minnesota is now paying the luxury tax for a third straight season despite being one of the league’s smaller-market franchises, underscoring the organization’s willingness to spend in an effort to build a contender around Edwards.

LaMelo Ball Trade Viewed As 'Gutsy Move' To Keep Anthony Edwards With Wolves https://t.co/rePVagbJoY