Wolves' Anthony Edwards Fined $100K For Using Profane Language in Postgame Interview
Dec 29, 2024
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 27: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves talks to the media after the game against the Houston Rockets on December 27, 2024 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)
The NBA fined Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards $100,000 for using profane language during a postgame television interview, the league announced in a statement on Sunday.
According to the statement, "the fine amount is based in part on Edwards' history of using profane language during media interviews."
His comments came after the Timberwolves' 113-112 win over the Houston Rockets on Friday.
Edwards' expressive language followed his go-ahead three-pointer that ultimately served as the game-winner for Minnesota on Friday.
"The play was for (Julius Randle) to go 14—big-small pick and roll," he said. "Once he picked it up, who else? I gotta go get it. S--t. Nickeil (Alexander-Walker) found me, he cut me off. I'm like, 's--t, I'm goin' for the win'. Like Gilbert Arenas said, I don't do overtime, so f--k it."
Edwards has now been fined two times within a week. His first fine came on Dec. 23 and was also for comments he made after a game.
Following the Wolves' loss to the Golden State Warriors on Dec. 21, Edwards criticized officials in his postgame media availability.
Anthony Edwards talked about the officiating for the entirety of his postgame media. Here's a piece of what he said. pic.twitter.com/Nehp43N3ex
His comments about the officials earned him a $75,0000 fine "for public criticism of the officiating and using inappropriate and profane language," the league announced on Dec. 23.
Edwards, who had a career season a year ago, is putting up 25.3 points, 5.5 boards and four assists per game amid a mediocre 16-14 start for Minnesota.
Kevin Durant Calls Nikola Jokić 'Top-10 Player' in NBA History After Christmas Game
Dec 26, 2024
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 13: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets greets Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns after the game on October 13, 2024 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
After the Phoenix Suns outlasted the Denver Nuggets 110-100 on Christmas Day, Suns star forward Kevin Durant made it clear how much he respects Nuggets star center Nikola Jokić.
During his post-game interview with ESPN, Durant called Jokić "arguably the best player in the world and a top-10 player of all-time."
Durant and guard Bradley Beal spearheaded the victory with 27 points apiece to help Phoenix snap a three-game skid and improve to 15-14.
Jokić led Denver with 25 points and 15 rebounds in the loss. The three-time NBA MVP is averaging a career-high 30.7 points with 12.6 rebounds and 9.4 assists while shooting 56.7 percent from the field and a career-best 50.0 percent from beyond the arc.
Despite Jokić's impressive stats, the Nuggets have struggled to find consistency this year following their 7-3 start to the season and now rank fifth in the Western Conference with a 16-12 record following their loss to the Suns.
Denver will look to bounce back on Friday when it hosts the Cleveland Cavaliers (26-4) on Friday.
Michael Porter Jr. Says Nuggets Told Him NBA Trade Rumors Are 'All Noise'
Dec 25, 2024
PORTLAND, OR - DECEMBER 19: Michael Porter Jr. #1 of the Denver Nuggets during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers during a regular season game on December 19, 2024 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Denver Nuggets reassured Michael Porter Jr. about his status within the organization's long-term future as the star forward is the subject of trade rumors.
"They've reached out to me and said it's all noise," Porter said Monday after a 117-90 win over the Phoenix Suns. "There's nothing serious going on, and if there was, they would let me know."
Porter said the Nuggets gave they impression they "have no desire to move me right now."
MPJ on if the Nuggets front office has reached out to him amid trade rumors:
"They've reached out to me and said it's all noise. There's nothing serious going on."
"They have no desire to move me right now. But I also know they wouldn't tell me if they wanted to move me." pic.twitter.com/oJz79GQHvh
The Athletic's Tony Jones and Sam Amick reported on Dec. 17 that Denver is "canvassing the league in pursuit of a player who can offer significant help offensively." In the event the team went after a notable player, with Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine cited as an example, then Porter would likely be going the other way.
NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer followed up on Dec. 20 to report the Nuggets "have indeed weighed whether to trade away [Porter]."
The 26-year-old is in an unenviable position because he's by far Denver's best trade asset between now and the Feb. 6 trade deadline. Through 27 games, he's averaging 18.3 points on 51.8 percent shooting, and he's connecting on 38.8 percent of his long-range jumpers.
Even if general manager Calvin Booth was open to dealing guard Jamal Murray or forward Aaron Gordon, neither can be moved this season thanks to the contract extensions each signed. Porter is the only member of the roster, Nikola Jokić aside, who could net a serious return.
In his press conference, the 6'10" forward acknowledged the Nuggets "wouldn't tell me if they wanted to move me," so there's little in the way of firm guarantees he can get.
All he can do is count down the days until the deadline and hope he remains a Denver player on Feb. 7.
Of course, then the cycle will just start over again once the offseason arrives.
Anthony Edwards 'Super Happy' to Play on Christmas, Reflects on Watching Kevin Durant
Dec 24, 2024
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 23: Anthony Edwards warms up before the game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on December 23, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards is relishing the opportunity to play on Christmas Day.
Speaking to Andscape's Marc J. Spears about Wednesday's game, Edwards explained he's going to be "super, super happy" to play the Dallas Mavericks under the national spotlight.
"I'm going to be super, super happy," Edwards said. "It's Christmas, man. I don't even know how to explain it. I've never played on Christmas, so I can't wait to see what the feeling is. I know it's going to be fun."
One reason Edwards is so enthusiastic about being able to play on this stage is because he and his family used to watch Kevin Durant, who he idolized growing up, take part in so many Christmas Day games.
"You don't have to have cable to have ABC at the crib. So, s--t, KD [Kevin Durant] would play on Christmas," Edwards told Spears. "Me, my mama, my grandma, my brother, we'd all be sitting right there watching him. It was just special for us."
This is just the third time in Timberwolves history they have been featured in a Christmas Day game. They lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2016 and defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017.
The Timberwolves-Mavs meeting is a rematch of the 2024 Western Conference Finals that Dallas won in five games.
Even though the series ended in disappointment for Minnesota, it was still a wildly successful season with the team reaching the conference finals for just the second time in franchise history.
Edwards and the T-Wolves will be hoping they can use this game as a springboard for better things for the rest of this season. They have lost three straight and have fallen to 10th in the West with a 14-14 overall record.
Dallas has won 14 of its last 17 games after a 5-7 start to the season. Minnesota won three of four head-to-head meetings between these two teams in the 2023-24 regular season.
The Timberwolves-Mavericks game will tipoff from American Airlines Center at 2:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
Anthony Edwards Fined $75K for Criticizing NBA Refs After Wolves' Loss to Warriors
Dec 23, 2024
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 21: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors on December 21, 2024 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards was fined $75,000 by the NBA for "public criticism of the officiating and using inappropriate and profane language."
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards has been fined $75,000 for public criticism of the officiating and using inappropriate and profane language. pic.twitter.com/C9Y89GU67t
The two-time All-Star's comments occurred after a 113-103 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Saturday.
"The s--t was terrible," Edwards said. "They don't want to talk back to my coach, they don't want to talk back to me. I said one thing to the ref, and he gave me a tech. Motherf--ker told one of my teammates if I would have said 'y'all calling a bad foul' he would have given me a tech."
Anthony Edwards talked about the officiating for the entirety of his postgame media. Here's a piece of what he said. pic.twitter.com/Nehp43N3ex
The Timberwolves have lost two straight games, sitting at 14-13 this season.
Inconsistency has defined the start of the 2024-25 season for Minnesota, as the team has been unable to capitalize on momentum following a trip to the Western Conference Finals.
Trade acquisitions such as Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo have struggled to adjust to the change of scenery, and the Timberwolves have dropped from the best net rating in the association last season to the No. 5 mark to open the year (via NBA.com).
Edwards has remained efficient to start his fifth year in the league, averaging 25.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game on 44.8/42.1/80.5 shooting splits.
It's worth noting that he's averaging just 4.2 free-throw attempts per game this season after recording 6.4 shots from the charity stripe each night last year.
Edwards is also avoiding the paint compared to past years, though. He's taking a career-low 14.7 percent of his shots within three feet of the basket after attempting 27.6 percent of his total shots in that range throughout his first four years in the association (via Basketball Reference).
He acknowledged that he hasn't been able to get to the rim as frequently, which may be affecting his ability to draw fouls.
"If you watch the game, there's nothing for me to do if I get downhill," Edwards said after a 133-107 loss to the New York Knicks on Thursday. "Everybody want me to get downhill. I know that's my strength. I get to the rim, lay the ball up, dunk the ball, but I can't do that if there's no lane, it's not open. Every team we play did a great job of sitting in the gaps. When I get to the rim, putting four people at the rim."
"So, I mean there's nothing I can do about going to the hole right now," he added.
Edwards has been fined for criticizing officiating in the past, as he was penalized $40,000 during the 2023-24 season.
The Timberwolves will attempt to put an end to their brief losing streak against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday.
Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. ET.
NBA News: Alex Caruso, Thunder Agree to 4-Year, $81M Contract Extension
Dec 22, 2024
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 09: Alex Caruso #6 of the Chicago Bulls shoots a three pointer against the New York Knicks during the second half at the United Center on April 09, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Two-time NBA All-Defensive Team guard Alex Caruso has reportedly agreed to a four-year, $81 million contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, ESPN's Shams Charaniareported Sunday.
Caruso is among NBA’s elite perimeter defenders, ranking in top five in deflections, field-goal % allowed as contesting defender and points per direct pick allowed as ball-handler defender, per ESPN Research.
Deal keeps Caruso out of free agency, under contract through 2028-29. https://t.co/Ve6bCa5ZOs
Caruso told The Stein Line's Jake Fischer in late December that he believed Oklahoma City "was a good fit" for him.
"Obviously this is a place that I think is ascending and that's something I want to be a part of," Caruso told Fischer.
The extension means he is now set to be a part of the Thunder's playoff hopes for the foreseeable future.
Caruso was previously set to become a free agent in 2025 following the expiration of the four-year contract, worth just under $37 million, that he signed with the Chicago Bulls in 2021.
The Thunder acquired Caruso in a June trade with the Bulls in exchange for guard Josh Giddey.
Caruso became a regular part of the Bulls starting rotation for the latter part of his 2023-24 campaign in Chicago. The veteran guard averaged a career-high 10.1 points and 3.8 rebounds per game while pacing the NBA with 3.7 deflections per night in the best offensive campaign of his career.
Those numbers have dipped following Caruso's transition back to a bench role in Oklahoma City. He has also missed time due to a hip injury which sidelined him for eight games in late November.
When healthy, Caruso has come off the bench to average 5.7 points, 2.9 assists, 1.9 steals and 0.6 blocks through 19 games.
The extension shows the Thunder's faith that Caruso will continue adjusting to his new team and return to being a dominant force on defense.
Since ending the 2023-24 season with a disappointing second-round loss to the Dallas Mavericks, the Thunder spent the summer improving their defense with the additions of Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein.
Hartenstein joined the Thunder on a three-year, $87 million deal in free agency this July. With both Hartenstein and Caruso locked in for the near future, Oklahoma City will hope this defensively-minded duo can help put Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder on track for the franchise's first championship since 1979.
Jazz's Jordan Clarkson, Pistons' Ron Holland, Reed Fined by NBA After Altercation
Dec 21, 2024
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 19: Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz drives the ball against Ron Holland II #00 of the Detroit Pistons during the third quarter of a game at Little Caesars Arena on December 19, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
Several players were fined for their actions during a brief altercation in a 126-119 win by the Utah Jazz over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday.
Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson received a $35,000 fine by the NBA for his involvement and for throwing his headband into the stands. Pistons rookie Ron Holland was also fined $25,000 after squaring up with Clarkson, although no punches were thrown.
Pistons center Paul Reed was hit with a $15,000 fine for initiating the scuffle.
Clarkson and Holland were both ejected during the game, while Reed received a technical foul.
Utah and Detroit combined to finish the game with seven technical fouls, as Jazz head coach Will Hardy acknowledged the intense environment throughout the game.
"It was super physical, chippy, ugly, nasty," Hardy said, per SI.com's Jared Koch. "There's turnovers. There's fouls. There's fights. There's a level of tension in the game and in the arena that we really haven't seen this year. And Detroit is an incredibly hard-playing team. They're really physical, and I think they sort of test your emotional stability."
The Jazz led by 12 at the time of the altercation. The Pistons were able to cut the deficit to five points with just under two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but they weren't able to get any closer before Utah pulled away.
Clarkson finished the game with three points and five assists while shooting 1-6 from the field and has shown the willingness to square up with opponents in the past.
He also has some familiarity with the other action that resulted in his fine, as he was fined $15,000 for tossing his headband into the stands in Dec. 2022.
Holland, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, has shown promise throughout his rookie season. He's also picked up his fair share of technical fouls, ranking No. 16 among all players with four through his first 28 games.
The Pistons and Jazz will face off again on March 3.
Alex Caruso: 'Would Be Awesome' to Stay with Thunder, Land Contract Extension
Dec 21, 2024
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 14: Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets during the Emirates NBA Cup Semifinal game on December 14, 2024 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)
As Alex Caruso enjoys his first season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, he is also keen to extend his stay with the club.
Speaking to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Caruso said it "would be awesome" to reach a long-term extension with the Thunder now that he is eligible to sign a new contract:
"Obviously this is a place that I think is ascending and that's something I want to be a part of. That's why I'm here. I think the writing is on the wall. People don't trade for guys in the last year of their contracts unless they expect to keep 'em for a while.
"That's just the business part of it. So I'm looking forward to having that conversation with Sam [Presti]. Everything that the Thunder stand for are things that I stand for. I think their focus, their drives and desires, are the same as mine. It's been a good fit and I'm looking forward to hopefully a couple more years."
Oklahoma City made what seemed like one of the best moves of the entire offseason by acquiring Caruso from the Chicago Bulls for Josh Giddey in the rare one-for-one trade. Giddey was a useful player for three seasons with the Thunder, but last year's postseason showed some of the flaws in their rotation with him on the court.
There was some long-term risk for the Thunder because Caruso is in the final season of his contract with just a $9.9 million salary. Still, a team that is ready to win now after being the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference during the 2023-24 campaign could afford to take a chance.
Caruso made for a natural fit because of his defensive versatility and ability to make threes. His defense has carried over to the Thunder with a career-high 1.9 steals per game, but he's still looking to find consistency with his shot. The Texas A&M alum is shooting a career-low 38.5 percent from the field and 27.0 percent from three-point range.
Fischer noted Saturday marks the first day Caruso is eligible to sign an extension with the Thunder. It's unclear if he's going to be part of the team's plans beyond this season.
Caruso, who will turn 31 on Feb. 28, is the oldest player on Oklahoma City's roster. Kenrich Williams is the only other player on the team over the age of 26.
Another factor is the Thunder's core players are going to get very expensive very soon. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is eligible for a four-year, $294.3 million supermax extension after this season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is now eligible to sign a super max extension in the 2025 offseason.
Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren can sign extensions after the 2025-26 season. We've already seen the impact that the new apron rules have had on the way teams approach building their rosters.
Considering the Thunder previously broke up a big three as they were entering their prime and the ramifications that came afterward, it's hard to envision them doing the same thing again when Presti and the front office have so masterfully rebuilt this franchise into the best young core in the NBA.
Caruso's price tag will most likely be the deciding factor in whether or not he remains in Oklahoma City beyond this season. If he's happy with the organization and things keep going well on the court for the Thunder, the two sides might be able to find a deal that works for them.
NBA Trade Rumors: Jazz 'Prefer' 1st-Round Pick for John Collins, Jordan Clarkson
Dec 20, 2024
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 19: Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz high-fives John Collins #20 during the third quarter of a game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on December 19, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
The Utah Jazz reportedly have a steep asking price for veteran players available on the trade market.
According to Brett Siegel of Clutch Points, the Jazz would "prefer" to receive a first-round pick in exchange for shooting guard Jordan Clarkson or forward John Collins. "Many around the league" believe that the price will come down once the Feb. 6 deadline draws closer, though.
With Utah currently sitting at 6-20 while owning the worst defensive rating in the association, it makes sense for the team to unload veteran contributors for future assets (via NBA.com).
Questions still remain surrounding Collins' defense, but he's displayed efficient scoring from all three levels to open his 2024-25 campaign. In 25 appearances, he's averaging 17.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and a career-high 2.5 assists per game on 52.9/43.9/89.5 shooting splits.
Collins could potentially enter free agency in 2025, as he owns a $26.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season. Given the possibility that he may depart at the end of the regular season, Utah may search for a future draft pick at the deadline instead of watching him walk.
Clarkson has a bit more team control left on his deal, as he's under contract for $14.3 million during his 2025-26 campaign before he'll become an unrestricted free agent.
The former Sixth Man of the Year hasn't been as efficient this season, as his 47.6 effective field-goal percentage is the second-worst mark of his career. Still, he's averaging 15.1 points and 3.8 assists each night while projecting as a spark off the bench for a contending team.
It may be difficult for opposing organizations to target either player given Utah's desire for a first-round selection, but the team's demands may decrease once the deadline approaches.
Anthony Edwards: Wolves 'Don't Have S--t on Offense' After Loss to Towns, Knicks
Dec 20, 2024
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 19: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the New York Knicks on December 19, 2024 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards offered another blunt assessment of the team after Thursday's 133-107 loss to the New York Knicks.
Edwards told reporters in the locker room after the game the Wolves "don't have s--t on offense" or a discernible offensive identity.
"We know I'm gonna shoot a bunch of shots, we know [Julius Randle] gonna shoot a bunch of shots, and that's all we know," he said.
The two-time All-Star said the issue was down to on-court execution rather than the coaching from Chris Finch.
The offense wasn't totally the problem on Thursday. Minnesota shot 46.1 percent from the field and knocked down 17 of its 42 three-pointers. Donte DiVincenzo, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Josh Minott came off the bench to score 38 combined points.
But things clearly aren't clicking in the bigger picture.
The Timberwolves are 21st in offensive rating (110.8), per NBA.com. Edwards' scoring average (25.9 points) matches his 2023-24 output, but that may not necessarily be a good thing when he's attempting more threes than ever (10.1 per game) and should seemingly have a bigger offensive load with Karl-Anthony Towns gone.
"Every team we play did a great job of sitting in the gaps," he said Thursday night. "When I get to the rim, putting four people at the rim. I'm sorry, people, there's nothing I can do with going to the hole right now."
That was a foreseeable downside to trading Towns for Randle. Towns is a historically great shooter for a big man, while Randle is far more comfortable operating within the three-point arc.
A frontcourt with Randle and Rudy Gobert would inevitably have spacing issues, and Edwards seems to be experiencing the brunt of that.
"We're not an offensive team," he said, per the Pioneer Press' Jace Frederick. "We're a defensive team. I don't think there's going to be too much change. I think we just got to play defense better."
That's going to be hard when Minnesota is already fourth in defensive rating (107.7), per NBA.com.
If Edwards is right and there isn't much offensive improvement to come, the Wolves are in serious trouble.
