Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards will undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee on Thursday and could miss up to two months, according to reports citing sources close to the player. ESPN reported the timeline on Tuesday, and team president of basketball operations Tim Connelly confirmed on Wednesday that the procedure would take place within 24 hours, adding that it is not a meniscus tear. Connelly sought to reassure supporters, saying Edwards would be "good as new" afterwards. The 25-year-old guard, a four-time All-Star, had not missed a game this season for the 3-1 Timberwolves.

How the knee problem built up

Edwards first grabbed at his right knee during Minnesota's home win over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, and he was listed as questionable before Monday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He played anyway, scoring 47 points in 41 minutes in a 127-125 overtime defeat, his second 45-point game of the season. He had been averaging 33.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists across the first four games, after spending part of the summer resting his knees following soreness and inflammation in the same knee last season, when he also suffered a hyperextended left knee in the play-offs and missed 21 regular-season games in total.

What it means for Minnesota

Minnesota must now cope without its leading scorer, with LaMelo Ball, Ayo Dosunmu, Terrence Shannon Jr. and Bones Hyland among those expected to carry a heavier load. Reports note that a two-month absence would leave Edwards short of the 65-game threshold for end-of-season awards, affecting his eligibility for a supermax contract extension. Connelly stressed the decision was driven by long-term health, noting Edwards himself wanted to keep playing, as the Timberwolves begin a testing stretch without their star.

Sources: ESPN, USA Today, FOX 9.