After Sunday's All-Star Game, Anthony Edwards was caught talking to Jalen Johnson in a viral moment, where fans speculated that he said "I can't wait to go home" (meaning go back to Atlanta). After the Minnesota Timberwolves first game back from the All-Star break, Edwards shut down these rumors.
“I don’t think there’s nothing to clear up, it wasn’t too much, just a conversation. I been knowing Jalen Johnson for a long time, that’s my dog, we were just having a conversation, I’m happy where I’m at,” Edwards said when asked about the viral conversation between him and Johnson.
Edwards also discussed how the franchise has embraced him since day one and what that means to him.
Frankly, Ant looked surprised that this was even a conversation; he had reportedly not been on social media for several years, so this makes sense. Hopefully, this finally puts an end to these nonsensical rumors once and for all.
Anthony Edwards is staying in Minnesota, and his comments should end the speculation
The whole rumor was insane to me in the first place. Edwards was, in all likelihood, talking about going home to Atlanta for the rest of the All-Star break.
Even if you think Edwards wants to play for the Hawks and team up with Jalen Johnson (which is a ridiculous opinion), would he really have discussed this with cameras around? Ant is one of the most unfiltered players in the league, but even for him, that's a heck of a stretch, especially since there have been no rumors before.
Basketball-wise, why in the world would Edwards want to leave the Wolves, who have been to two straight conference finals, for the Hawks, who are a perennial Play-In team?
The Timberwolves are eyeing their first-ever championship, and Edwards is more focused on this goal than anyone. He's not going to let some "fantasy" of joining his hometown team distract him from this goal.
In the summer of 2027, Edwards will be eligible to sign a record-breaking supermax deal worth $345 over four years. To think that he'd turn down this type of money on top of the basketball benefits of staying in Minnesota is flat-out insane.
Plus, even if Edwards hypothetically demands a trade in the summer (which won't happen), there's no certainty he'd end up in Atlanta.
Now, in defense of Hawks fans, it's undeniable that Edwards loves the city of Atlanta. As such, in his twilight years, could he return to his hometown team? Sure, however, that's about as possible as Steph Curry returning to Charlotte to finish his career.
For now, Hawks fans can keep dreaming, while Wolves fans can rest assured that they have a top-five-level player who is just entering his true prime.