Anthony Edwards to Undergo Knee Procedure, Expected to Miss Up to Two Months

The Minnesota Timberwolves gave a clearer update Wednesday on Anthony Edwards’ right knee, with president of basketball operations Tim Connelly saying the star guard will undergo an arthroscopic “cleanup” Thursday and that the issue is not related to his meniscus. Minnesota has not announced an official return timetable, although team sources have indicated Edwards could miss up to eight weeks.

Edwards aggravated the knee during Minnesota’s season opener but continued playing, including a 47-point performance in Monday’s overtime loss to Cleveland. An MRI performed Tuesday showed a change from previous imaging and led the team to choose surgery. Edwards is averaging 33.3 points through four games, ranking among the NBA’s early scoring leaders while helping the Timberwolves start 3-1.

The encouraging part for Minnesota is that the organization is not expressing long-term concern. Connelly said the expectation is that Edwards will be “good as new” once the knee is cleaned up and rehabilitated. The immediate challenge is replacing his scoring volume and the defensive attention he creates. LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels and Terrence Shannon Jr. will all have larger offensive responsibilities while Minnesota waits for its franchise player to return. A more precise timetable should become clearer after Thursday’s procedure.