Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards has knee surgery, return date still uncertain

October 29, 2026

Anthony Edwards’ knee procedure is complete. The Timberwolves now begin the considerably less enjoyable part of waiting for their best player to return.

Edwards underwent successful arthroscopic surgery for debridement in his right knee Thursday, the team announced. Minnesota expects him to make a full recovery but did not provide a timetable.

That last part is worth keeping clear. The procedure being successful doesn’t mean a return date has been established.

Initial reporting indicated Edwards could miss up to two months. Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic subsequently reported that the recovery could take longer, potentially keeping him out until January.

For Minnesota, that would mean a substantial stretch without a player who averaged 33.3 points through his first four games.

Edwards scored 47 against the Cavaliers on Monday, but Krawczynski noted that he lacked his usual burst and occasionally walked with a limp. The scoring was there. The knee clearly needed attention.

Now LaMelo Ball takes on more responsibility, with Ayo Dosunmu, Terrence Shannon Jr. and rookie Isaiah Evans among the options for additional backcourt minutes.

The Wolves acquired Ball to give Edwards another creator alongside him. They’ll need him to help keep the offense functioning while that partnership is interrupted.

Nobody on the roster replaces Edwards by himself. Minnesota’s job is to get enough from everybody else that he has something worthwhile to return to.