Anthony Edwards Faces Knee Surgery and Two Month Absence

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards needs arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and could miss up to two months, according to ESPN reporter Shams Charania. The procedure addresses a problem that has persisted since last season and continued into the opening games of the 2026-27 NBA campaign. The exact nature of Edwards' right knee condition was not specified in Charania's report.

His potential absence would sideline one of Minnesota's leading scorers during a season in which the team hopes to contend for the NBA championship. Edwards played through chronic runner's knee during last season's playoffs, according to the report. His production declined before a separate injury to his left knee forced him out during Minnesota's second-round series loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

Although Edwards concentrated on rest and recovery during the offseason, his right knee continued to cause discomfort early in the new season. He grabbed the knee in pain following a collision during Sunday's victory over the Toronto Raptors.

The Timberwolves initially listed Edwards as questionable for Monday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers because of right knee management. He nevertheless played 41 minutes and scored 47 points, but he is now expected to miss Wednesday's matchup against the Golden State Warriors after initially receiving another questionable designation. The injury comes as Minnesota holds a 3-1 record and seeks to build on recent postseason success. The Timberwolves reached the Western Conference finals in two of the past three seasons but have yet to advance to the NBA Finals with Edwards leading the team.

Minnesota reshaped its roster around Edwards during the offseason, trading away established players Naz Reid and Julius Randle while acquiring All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets. The revised lineup had shown early promise through its first four games. Edwards averaged 33.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2 steals per game over those four contests. He also shot 40% on 11.3 three-point attempts per game, according to the source report.

The Timberwolves averaged 122 points per game, the fourth-highest total in the NBA, during that stretch. Their average point differential stood at 17 points, ranking second in the league as of Tuesday, according to the report. With Edwards facing a potential absence of up to two months, Minnesota could have to navigate much of the remainder of the calendar year without its leading star. His recovery timeline will determine when he can return to the lineup and resume helping the Timberwolves pursue a playoff position in the Western Conference.