In a seismic shift for the NBA’s financial landscape, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards is on track to become the league’s first player to earn $82 million per year by 2027, potentially signing a supermax contract worth up to $345 million over four years. According to ESPN’s Zach Kram, Edwards’ meteoric rise, marked by back-to-back All-NBA Second Team selections, positions him to secure what could be the largest contract in NBA history. At just 23 years old, the No. 1 pick from the 2020 NBA Draft is not only redefining on-court excellence but also setting a new benchmark for player earnings, with projections suggesting he could earn $1 million per game. This unprecedented deal underscores the NBA’s skyrocketing salary cap and the growing financial power of its young superstars.
Edwards’ path to this historic contract is rooted in his explosive development as the Timberwolves’ cornerstone. Since his debut in 2020, he has evolved into one of the league’s most dynamic guards, averaging 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in the 2023-24 season, earning him his first All-NBA nod. His playoff performances, including a 31.6-point average against the Denver Nuggets in 2023, have solidified his status as a clutch performer. With two consecutive All-NBA selections, Edwards meets the criteria for a supermax extension under the NBA’s 2017 collective bargaining agreement, which allows players with seven to eight years of service to earn up to 35% of the salary cap. This deal, expected to kick in during the 2027-28 season, could see him surpass Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s projected $79 million annual salary.
The NBA’s soaring salary cap, projected to hit $150 million next season and potentially double by 2033-34, is a key driver behind these staggering figures. Fueled by lucrative media rights deals, including a reported $7 billion annual agreement with NBC, ESPN, and Amazon, the league’s financial growth has outpaced general inflation, making supermax contracts increasingly lucrative. Edwards’ potential $345 million deal, starting at $65.7 million in 2027-28 and rising above $82 million in its second year, reflects this “basketball inflation.” Unlike past cap spikes, such as the 34% jump in 2016 that enabled Kevin Durant’s move to Golden State, the current CBA’s 10% annual cap increase ensures steady growth, setting the stage for Edwards to become the first player to earn $1 million per game.
This potential contract is not without its challenges for the Timberwolves, who already face a tight salary cap with three max contracts, including Edwards’ current five-year, $244 million extension signed in 2023. His All-NBA honours escalated that deal from $204.5 million to $245.4 million, pushing Minnesota past the projected $189-190 million second apron for 2025-26, complicating roster construction. Fan sentiment on platforms like X is mixed, with some, like @zay2times, calling the $82 million annual figure “ridiculous,” while others, like @ZSN_Media, celebrate Edwards’ ascent as a testament to his superstar trajectory. Regardless, his deal could reshape team-building strategies, forcing the Timberwolves to navigate luxury tax penalties or potential trades to maintain competitiveness.
Edwards’ potential record-breaking contract is a milestone in the NBA’s financial evolution, reflecting the league’s growing revenue and the premium placed on young, marketable stars. If he signs the projected four-year, $345 million extension in 2027, Edwards will not only redefine salary expectations but also cement his role as the face of the Timberwolves and a future NBA icon. As the league awaits its first $1 million-per-game player, Edwards’ blend of on-court brilliance and off-court charisma—seen in his leadership during Minnesota’s back-to-back conference finals runs—makes him a prime candidate to claim this historic mantle. The basketball world is watching, and “Ant-Man” is ready to cash in.
