NBA Issues $25,000 Fine to Timberwolves Star Anthony Edwards
The National Basketball Association has imposed a significant financial penalty on Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards for an incident involving a game ball during a recent matchup. The league announced on Thursday that Edwards has been fined $25,000 for throwing the ball "with force" into the spectator stands.
Details of the Halftime Incident
The event occurred during halftime of the Timberwolves' 124-121 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on February 24. As the second quarter concluded, Edwards grabbed the basketball and launched it the full length of the court. The ball struck a fan seated near a stanchion at the opposite end of the arena.
"Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards has been fined $25,000 for throwing the game ball with force into the spectator stands," stated the official notice from the NBA, which was issued by James Jones, Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations.
At the time of the incident, the Timberwolds held a narrow 62-59 lead over the Trail Blazers. The exact motivation behind Edwards' actions remains unclear, as no explanation was provided in the league's announcement.
Edwards' Performance and Season Context
Despite the disciplinary action, Edwards has been enjoying a dominant individual season. In the game against Portland, he played 38 minutes and 20 seconds, scoring 34 points on 11-of-27 shooting from the field, including 5-of-13 from three-point range. He also contributed 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.
This season marks Edwards' fourth career All-Star selection. Through 49 games, the 24-year-old is averaging impressive numbers: 29.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, while shooting 49.3% from the field and 40.0% from beyond the arc. His performance has helped the Timberwolves achieve a 36-23 record.
Financial Implications and Contract Details
While a $25,000 fine is substantial, it represents a relatively small portion of Edwards' earnings. The All-Star guard is currently in the first year of a massive rookie extension signed during the 2024-2025 NBA season.
- Edwards earned $42.1 million last year
- He is making $45.5 million this season
- His salary will increase to $55.6 million by the 2028-2029 season
- The total value of his current contract with Minnesota is $244.6 million
History of Disciplinary Actions
This is not the first time Edwards has faced league discipline. In March 2025, he was fined $35,000 for tossing a game ball into the stands and failing to leave the court promptly after being ejected from a game.
Throughout the 2024-25 campaign, Edwards accumulated $430,000 in total fines, with a significant portion stemming from technical fouls. The four-time All-Star has been receiving technical fouls at an increased rate recently, contributing to this substantial total.
Team Performance and Upcoming Schedule
The Timberwolves have shown resilience this season. Despite a loss to the shorthanded Philadelphia 76ers on February 22, they entered that contest on a three-game winning streak. The team is now preparing for their next matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers on February 26.
As one of the higher-paid players at his position, Edwards' on-court production continues to justify his contract, even as off-court incidents result in financial penalties. The Timberwolves will be counting on his elite scoring and playmaking as they push toward the postseason.
