The NBA’s financial landscape continues to expand rapidly, with player salaries reaching unprecedented levels. Recently, Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards was highlighted as a candidate to become the first NBA player to earn $1 million per game within the next few years, a milestone reflecting the league’s booming market. This forecast comes amid a period of growing contract sizes, exemplified by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s record-setting deal worth nearly $79 million annually by its fourth year.
Alex Rodriguez Discusses NBA Growth and Player Compensation
Alex Rodriguez, a renowned MLB figure and co-owner of the Timberwolves alongside Marc Lore, offered insights about Edwards’ potential earnings during an ESPN interview. He pointed out that such high salaries indicate the NBA’s robust health, fueled by increasing revenues and lucrative media agreements. Rodriguez said,
“Well, I think that’s a sign that the game is very healthy,”
“The revenues are growing. Obviously, we signed a new 11-year media deal, which is very healthy.”
—Alex Rodriguez, MLB Legend and Timberwolves Co-Owner
The recent 11-year media rights contract, valued at $76 billion and distributed among broadcasters like Amazon, ESPN, NBC, and ABC, creates a strong financial foundation for player salaries to keep rising. This makes it feasible for elite talents such as Edwards to command exceptional compensation.
Emphasizing the Importance of Players and Fans in the NBA
Rodriguez stressed that the league’s success fundamentally depends on players and fans alike, underscoring a player-focused perspective. He noted,
“Look, without the players and without the fan, you have no league,”
“That’s really exciting. I’m a player. I think player first, most of the time, all of the time.”
—Alex Rodriguez, MLB Legend and Timberwolves Co-Owner
This highlights the relationship between athletes’ passion for the game and the loyalty of their supporters, which together sustain and grow the NBA’s popularity and financial strength.
Rodriguez Applauds Anthony Edwards’ Growth and Dedication
Alex Rodriguez praised Edwards’ development over his first four to five seasons, reflecting on how much the young star has improved his skillset and competitive drive. In his words,
“To see a guy like Anthony Edwards and his development over the last 4-5 years, you got to give him a lot of credit,”
—Alex Rodriguez, MLB Legend and Timberwolves Co-Owner
He also recounted a specific interaction during the NBA playoffs that revealed Edwards’ intense commitment to championship success. Rodriguez recalled,
“I remember sitting at a Miami Heat game a couple of years ago for the playoffs,”
“All Anthony Edwards talked about, he sat right next to me for two games, how much he wanted to be in the Western Conference Finals, go to the Finals, win a title.”
—Alex Rodriguez, MLB Legend and Timberwolves Co-Owner
Edwards has reached the Western Conference Finals in consecutive seasons but is still determined to advance further.
Edwards’ Unwavering Commitment to Excellence Over Fame
According to Rodriguez, Edwards’ daily work ethic is exceptional, as he reportedly trains multiple times a day to prepare for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. The 49-year-old sports figure emphasized,
“He is 100% committed to being a great basketball player,”
“Not a social media star, but one of the great basketball players of all time.”
—Alex Rodriguez, MLB Legend and Timberwolves Co-Owner
This dedication separates Edwards from players who seek notoriety or external attention, marking him as a focused athlete driven to reach historic heights.
Anticipating Edwards’ Future Impact on the League
At just 23 years old, Anthony Edwards is viewed as a franchise cornerstone who prioritizes his craft and the pursuit of championships over financial or fame-related incentives. His comparisons to Michael Jordan center on his ambition and skill development, although the major challenge remains breaking past the conference finals barrier. Should Edwards continue on his current trajectory, his influence and earning potential could reshape contract discussions and player valuations across the NBA.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Anthony Edwards get a DNA test?
A. Ayesha stated, “The test definitely showed that Anthony is our daughter Aubri Howard’s father.” In legal papers from December 2024, Anthony acknowledged a DNA test proved he is the father. He informed the court that he does not wish to pursue custody or visitation rights.
Q. How did Anthony Edwards react to the Luka Doncic trade?
A. Edwards made a joking comment, telling other NBA players to “learn more” about their own situations. He also had a message for Timberwolves GM Tim Connelly, saying, “I’m a bit worried. Tim, if you plan to trade me, just give me a heads up, man.” Edwards added, “After Luka was traded, it seems like anyone could be traded.”