NBA announces two fines: Edwards and Bane each fined $25,000 for forcefully throwing the game ball into the stands.

On February 27, Beijing time, James Jones, NBA Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, announced today that Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards and Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane have each been fined $25,000 for forcefully throwing the game ball into the spectator stands.

The incident involving Edwards throwing the ball occurred at halftime of the game on February 25, when the Timberwolves defeated the Trail Blazers 124-121 at the Moda Center.

In that game, Edwards played 38 minutes and 20 seconds, shooting 11-for-27 from the field, 5-for-13 from three-point range, and 7-for-10 from the free-throw line, totaling 34 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals, while committing 5 turnovers. So far this season, Edwards has played 49 games for the Timberwolves, averaging 29.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 49.3% and a three-point percentage of 40%.

For Edwards, a $25,000 fine is naturally not a significant amount. His salary for this season is $45.55 million, and he has a three-year contract with the Timberwolves after this season, with annual salaries of $48.92 million, $52.29 million, and $55.67 million respectively.

The incident involving Bane throwing the ball also occurred on February 25, at the conclusion of the game where the Magic defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 110-109 on the road. In that game, Bane scored 22 points with 6 assists, and the Magic secured a narrow 1-point victory after defending against a difficult three-point attempt by LeBron James in the final moments.

For Bane, $25,000 is also not a substantial sum. His salary for this season is $36.72 million, with the following three years set at $39.44 million, $42.16 million, and $44.88 million respectively.

The NBA typically imposes a $25,000 fine for throwing the ball into the stands. Last season, Ja Morant was fined $25,000 for this action, and in 2021, Kevin Durant, then with the Brooklyn Nets, was also fined $25,000 for the same conduct.