Anthony Edwards Unfazed by Failing to Get Exemption Like Doncic, Cunningham

Timberwolves star focused on title chase after NBA denies his appeal to qualify for awards

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:06pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements of a basketball player, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in the Timberwolves' team colors of blue, green, and white, conveying the raw energy and determination of the team's star player.Despite missing out on individual accolades, Anthony Edwards remains laser-focused on leading the Timberwolves to their first NBA championship.Minnesota City Today

The NBA granted exemptions to allow Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham to qualify for awards despite missing games, but denied a similar appeal from Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards. While Edwards' coach Chris Finch criticized the league's inconsistency, Edwards himself said he isn't 'trippin' over it and is solely focused on winning a championship.

Why it matters

The NBA's decision highlights the league's complex rules around award qualifications, which have come under scrutiny. Edwards' case stands out as he has been a durable, high-performing player, making the league's rejection of his appeal particularly noteworthy.

The details

Edwards missed 11 of the Timberwolves' final 14 games with lingering knee pain, falling short of the 65-game requirement to qualify for MVP and All-NBA voting. Despite the PA appealing his case, an independent arbitrator ruled against him. This comes in contrast to the NBA granting exemptions to allow Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham to qualify, despite them also missing significant time.

  • Edwards missed 11 of Minnesota's final 14 games with knee pain.
  • An independent arbitrator ruled against Edwards' appeal to qualify for awards.

The players

Anthony Edwards

A 24-year-old star player for the Minnesota Timberwolves who has made the All-NBA second team in the last two seasons.

Chris Finch

The head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves who criticized the NBA's inconsistent handling of Edwards' case compared to other players.

Luka Doncic

A star player who was granted an exemption by the NBA to qualify for awards despite missing games.

Cade Cunningham

A star player who was also granted an exemption by the NBA to qualify for awards despite missing games.

Victor Wembanyama

A player who barely met the 65-game requirement to qualify for awards.

Nikola Jokic

A player who barely met the 65-game requirement to qualify for awards.

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What they’re saying

“Anthony and I appreciate the PA appealing his case. For me personally, I'm a bit confused at the clemency for Cade, who missed time for something that happened on the court, and not Ant, who missed time for an infection, but ultimately, you already know Ant isn't trippin over it AT ALL.”

— Justin Holland, Anthony Edwards' business manager

“It sure would be nice to hear an explanation as to why Anthony was denied his 65 games, particularly when you look at the history of Anthony, who plays all the time and has played all the time.”

— Chris Finch, Head Coach, Minnesota Timberwolves

“I'm not sure why we have a rule if we can have an appeals process that is overturned in two-thirds of cases that were held before it. It feels more like a suggestion than a rule.”

— Chris Finch, Head Coach, Minnesota Timberwolves

“Again, those guys are super deserving, and their injuries are legitimate. It has nothing to do with them, but so are Anthony's and Anthony's situation. We've never rested him. That's not how he's been. It just feels a little unfortunate that he was the only one left out.”

— Chris Finch, Head Coach, Minnesota Timberwolves

What’s next

The Timberwolves will continue their playoff push, with Edwards focused solely on winning a championship rather than individual awards.

The takeaway

The NBA's inconsistent handling of award qualification exemptions has sparked frustration, with the league facing questions about the fairness and transparency of its rules. However, Anthony Edwards' response - staying focused on team success rather than individual accolades - underscores his maturity and leadership.