Jazz Lock In Darryn Peterson at No. 2 After Canton Visit Eases Health Concerns

Q: Did Anthony Edwards's reluctance to trade assets cost the Timberwolves their chance to land superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo?

No. The available reporting does not show that Anthony Edwards personally cost Minnesota a Giannis Antetokounmpo deal. What Tim Connelly said is that Edwards has, at times, discouraged trade ideas because he worries about how many assets the Timberwolves would have to give up. But the reporting around the Giannis talks points more clearly to an organizational decision: Minnesota would not meet Milwaukee’s asking price, especially on Jaden McDaniels. Connelly acknowledged the Wolves resisted the Bucks’ demand for McDaniels, and that was a key reason they did not seriously pursue the trade. Additional reporting says Minnesota views McDaniels as a foundational piece next to Edwards and was also wary of stripping away too much depth. That makes this a front-office and roster-building choice, not simply a case of Edwards vetoing a move. It is fair to say Edwards’ preference likely aligned with the team’s stance. His reluctance to sacrifice core pieces may have reinforced Minnesota’s caution. But there is no clear evidence that his opinion alone killed the chance to land Giannis. The stronger reading is that the Timberwolves chose not to pay the price Milwaukee wanted. Edwards was part of that context, but not the decisive standalone reason.

3 articles · Updated · hoopsrumors.com · Jun 24

Utah finalized its plan to take Darryn Peterson with the No. 2 pick after executives visited him and his family in Canton, Ohio on Saturday.
Austin Ainge said the trip was meant to be “extra sure” about Peterson and map out his fit in Will Hardy’s offense so the Jazz could have a day-one plan.
Peterson, a 6-foot-6 former Kansas guard, said the hometown visit and talks about Utah’s future made him eager to join the rebuild.
Medical comfort also helped seal the decision: Peterson said he has “never felt better” after hamstring and cramping issues at Kansas, and Ainge said the Jazz are very comfortable with his health.